4 Things to Skip After Professional Teeth Whitening

Investing in professional teeth whitening in Richmond is an excellent way to enhance your smile and increase self-confidence. It’s crucial to note that teeth are particularly prone to discoloration and staining right after the whitening process. Therefore, the actions you take in the initial 48 hours post-treatment play a significant role in determining the longevity of your results. Here are some strategies to maximize your investment and derive the best outcomes from in-office teeth whitening.

Dental Crowns

Steer clear of drinking colored beverages:

Similar to many people, you may find pleasure in a morning coffee or an evening glass of red wine. However, these colored beverages have the potential to cause teeth stains. Opt for alternatives such as clear alcohol, white wine, milk, coconut milk, and water. If you can’t forgo your morning coffee, consider using a straw to reduce direct contact with your teeth.

Avoid eating dark colored food:

Much like colored beverages, there exists a wide variety of foods to avoid following professional teeth whitening in Richmond. These encompass dark-colored sauces (like tomato or pasta sauce), vibrant spices (including curry, turmeric, paprika, etc.), chocolate, and colorful candies (such as M&Ms, Skittles, etc.), as well as deeply pigmented vegetables, fruits, and berries (like beets, tomatoes, pomegranate, etc.). 

A practical guideline is that if a food item can stain a white shirt, it has the potential to stain your teeth. Instead, choose light-colored options such as cauliflower, pasta, white fish, cheese, grilled chicken breast, and tofu.

Stay away from acidic food:

Teeth whitening temporarily weakens tooth enamel with bleach. Consuming highly acidic foods, like citrus fruits and pickled items, can exacerbate this effect, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of re-staining. To minimize discomfort and protect your newly whitened smile, it is advisable to avoid acidic foods for at least 48 hours post-whitening.

Brush your teeth with a soft bristled tooth brush:

Professional Teeth Whitening

It’s common to experience sensitivity following teeth whitening, so use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing your teeth. To ease sensitivity, consider using toothpaste and mouthwash designed specifically for sensitive teeth.

If you are looking for a consultation with a professional Teeth whitening dentist in Richmond. Feel free to schedule your appointment with Westheimer Lakes Dental. Our skilled cosmetic dentists use peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) for effective teeth whitening.