Whitening your teeth can enhance your appearance, but it’s important to take proper care of your teeth after the procedure. Here are some things to avoid after teeth whitening.

Smoking

Tobacco products can stain your teeth, even after whitening them. We suggest you quit smoking or chewing tobacco while you have whitened teeth. These substances can make your teeth look yellow again and stop whitening from working effectively. If you must use tobacco, you can use a whitening toothpaste to keep your teeth looking bright.

We also advise that you avoid drinking coffee and red wine if possible. These beverages can cause staining and can affect the color of your newly whitened teeth. If you can’t give them up completely, make sure to rinse your mouth with water after enjoying these drinks. This can help to prevent discoloration of your teeth. You can also consider getting a teeth whitening touch up in six months if the stains don’t go away on their own.

Don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Flossing once a day is also very important for removing plaque and food particles that can contribute to staining. Please let us know if you have any questions about post-whitening care!

Over-the-counter tooth whitening kits

Many patients experience positive results from over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, but these results don’t last forever. You will likely need to use the kit again after a while to get the same results. These treatments also can’t fix intrinsic staining caused by medications or health problems like tetracycline. Intrinsic stains are permanent.

That’s why it’s best to have your whitening treatment done at the dentist’s office by our trained, experienced team. We can make sure that the results last as long as possible and that your teeth remain healthy and safe throughout the procedure.

Habits that stain teeth

Brushing your teeth too soon after whitening can cause some of the enamel to be scrubbed off, which will reduce the whitening effects. Try to wait at least an hour and preferably two before brushing. Tooth sensitivity can be common during whitening as well, so try using a toothbrush with soft head instead of a hard one. This can prevent further irritation to the gums. Use a toothpaste with fluoride to give your teeth added protection, but avoid anything too abrasive as this will also wear off the enamel over time.

If you smoke or drink frequently, try to cut back on these habits as they can discolor the teeth quickly. A straw can be used to help reduce the need to brush after drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea, or wine, which can help whiten your smile a little bit longer. People who live with uncontrolled diabetes may also see their teeth become discolored more quickly due to elevated blood sugars. These tips can help protect your smile for months or years to come.

Tooth erosion

If you eat foods and beverages that are high in acid, they can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause tooth erosion. This could mean that you have sensitive teeth after whitening because parts of your enamel are worn away over time. In order to avoid this, you should steer clear of things like citrus fruits and juices, soda, wine, and coffee to prevent tooth erosion. Even brushing with too much pressure or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause you to lose enamel.