Teeth Whitening Aftercare

Getting your teeth whitened is so rewarding! Once you’ve had a teeth-whitening procedure done, you’ll probably be flashing your beautiful new smile at everyone you see. If you want to keep it beautiful and white, though, you’ll need to take care of your smile. Here are some tips to keep your teeth bright and shining for as long as possible.

• Be mindful of colored food and beverages. Especially during the first 48 hours after your teeth-whitening procedure, avoid eating or drinking anything that’s deeply colored. Wine, tea, coffee, cherries, chocolate, beets, berries, soda, juice, and dark sauces should be avoided in favor of foods that are light in color. You’ll also want to avoid chewy foods for a while because they can leave a stain. If you do decide to drink a colored beverage, use a straw to avoid staining your teeth.
• Don’t eat acidic foods. Soda, pickles, and citrus, for instance, can be damaging after teeth whitening. Teeth-whitening treatments weaken the tubules of tooth enamel, opening them up. This makes your teeth more prone to stains and decay, and acidic foods worsen this weakness.
• Eat foods that will help your teeth stay white. White meat, bananas, cauliflower, potatoes, white beans, rice, white rice, and pita bread are all good foods post-whitening. Certain foods can even help clean your teeth, helping them to stay white. Crunchy fruits or vegetables, especially apples, celery, carrots, and green beans, can enhance saliva production, which cleans the teeth and counteracts acids. These crunchy vegetables can even remove temporary stains. Eating more dairy products and foods high in calcium will help keep your teeth healthy and defend against decay.
• Take care of sensitive teeth. After the whitening procedure, your teeth may be sensitive. Avoid foods that are too hot or too cold, and use dental hygiene products designed specifically for sensitive teeth.
• Don’t overdo it when you’re caring for your teeth. Brush after every meal, or when you’ve eaten a staining or acidic food. Do it gently, to avoid causing yourself pain or stripping the whitening. Floss at least once a day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Don’t immediately do any more whitening, even if you aren’t satisfied with the whiteness of your teeth, because that can harm your enamel.
• Don’t smoke! Smoking can stain your teeth, causing yellow and brown discoloration that’s extremely difficult to remove. What’s more smoking is terrible for your oral health, as well as your overall health. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, never start.

At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer teeth whitening, along with pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.