Teeth whitening can drastically change the appearance of your smile in just one dental visit by making your teeth up to 8 shades whiter. But do teeth stain faster after whitening? In this article, we discuss this question and offer essential post-whitening care tips.
Do Teeth Stain Faster After Whitening?
Teeth can stain faster right after whitening if you are not careful with what you eat and drink. The reason for this is that the whitening solutions contain a bleaching agent (typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) that makes the enamel of your teeth temporarily more porous to penetrate its deeper level and destroy the dark pigment. As a result, more porous enamel is more likely to absorb staining pigments from foods, drinks, and oral care products.
However, when your teeth recover and the enamel rehydrates after the procedure, which typically takes several days, the staining risk will be reduced. Still, it is recommended to abstain from staining foods and beverages to avoid discoloration.
If teeth whitening is done irresponsibly or with a solution that is too strong for your enamel, it can cause long-lasting or permanent enamel damage, making your teeth more susceptible to staining. That is why it is essential to opt for professional whitening treatments performed by a dentist or at-home whitening kits provided at your dental office.
Post-Teeth Whitening Care Tips
Let us look in more detail at how to avoid staining and other complications after a whitening procedure.
Diet in the First Week After the Whitening Procedure
During the first week after a teeth whitening procedure, it is essential to maintain a so-called “white diet” and avoid the following foods and beverages:
- Red wine
- Black coffee and tea
- Fruit juices and smoothies
- Brightly colored vegetables, such as carrots and beetroot
- Brightly colored spices, such as curry and red paprika
- Beverages and candies that contain artificial dye (cola,
- Fanta, sports drinks, etc.)
- Berries
- Soy sauce, ketchup, and other dark or colorful sauces and condiments
Examples of non-staining foods and drinks include:
- Water
- Milk
- Yogurt and cheese
- Eggs
- White rice
- Pasta
- Chicken and fish
- Bananas
- Potatoes
Other Care Tips in the First Week After the Whitening Procedure
Additionally, we recommend the following:
- Abstain from smoking or vaping, as they also lead to tooth discoloration.
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages (vinegar, lemons, citrus fruits, juices) to help your teeth and gums recover faster after the whitening
- Drink water frequently to keep your mouth hydrated
- Chew sugar and dye-free gum (xylitol preferred) to stimulate saliva production
- Switch to a soft toothbrush to avoid further irritating your teeth and gums, and avoid aggressive brushing
- Use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help the enamel remineralize
- Do not use whitening toothpaste or toothpaste containing abrasive ingredients, such as soda or charcoal
- Avoid alcohol-based and whitening mouthwashes and mouth rinses
Long-Term Care for Whitened Teeth
In the long term, we recommend the following:
- Keep avoiding staining foods and beverages, and always brush your teeth (or rinse your mouth if brushing is not possible) after consuming them
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth for two full minutes twice a day and flossing every evening.
- Keep using fluoride toothpaste to further strengthen the enamel of your teeth
- Add a water flosser to your oral hygiene routine to boost its effectiveness
- Do not skip bi-yearly appointments for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments
Get a Safe Professional Teeth Whitening at Tropic Dental Care
Make an appointment for safe and effective teeth whitening with an experienced cosmetic dentist at Tropic Dental Care. We are looking forward to your visit.
