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What should you do after in-office teeth whitening?

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The first 48 hours are critical to maintaining your whitening results

Congratulations on finally getting your teeth whitened! Professional teeth whitening, referred to as in-office teeth whitening, is the most effective way to whiten your smile. The next 48 hours are very important in maintaining your whitening results. Our teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle. This protective layer is removed during teeth whitening treatment. It takes about 12 to 24 hours for this barrier to fully restore itself. Therefore, it’s important to be very careful the first few days to make your whitening effects last as long as possible.

What should you avoid after teeth whitening?

You want to avoid anything that can stain your teeth and cause them to turn yellow again. This includes:

  • All tobacco products
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Red wine
  • Tomatoes, grapes and other staining fruits and vegetables
  • Soft drinks
  • Potato chips
  • Mustard and ketchup
  • Berries
  • Red sauces
  • Soy sauce
  • Colored lipsticks
  • Colored toothpastes
  • colored mouthwashes

If post-operative sensitivity occurs, try chewing sugarless gum to reduce the peroxide levels. You can also take an Advil or Tylenol. Consider using a desensitizing toothpaste, like Sensodyne, if your teeth become very sensitive.

Food & drink recommendation for the first 48 hours

Main Entrée Suggestions: Turkey, white tuna (no vinegar), white fish, canned chicken breast, chicken breast without the skin, grilled cheese with white cheddar or mozzarella cheese, pasta with white sauce such as alfredo.

Side Dish Suggestions: Plain pasta, white rice, mashed or baked potato (no peel).

Beverage Suggestions: Milk, water, clear soda (sprite) or tonic.

Alcohol Suggestions: Gin or Vodka (no orange juice). White wine is ok.

Fruits & Vegetable Suggestions: Apples, bananas, pears (no peels) and cauliflower.

Snack Suggestions: Cottage cheese, plain or vanilla yogurt, snack wells vanilla cookies, vanilla pudding, white cheese, white cheddar or mozzarella.

Condiment Suggestions: Mayonnaise, sour cream and white gravy.

Carbohydrate Suggestions: White bread (no crust), flour tortillas (white), crackers.

Breakfast Suggestions: Pancakes with white syrup, egg whites, oatmeal, cream of wheat.

Contact your dentist if you have any questions or concerns regarding your whitening treatment. Discontinue your whitening treatment if you experiencing unusual sensitivity or pain and contact your dentist immediately. To learn more about different teeth whitening treatments, click on one of the following links: