Dental Care After Teeth Whitening

During the first 24 hours after teeth whitening, your teeth may be especially sensitive. This discomfort can be triggered by hot or cold temperatures. It is a normal reaction, since the teeth have been subjected to an aggressive external influence. However, keep in mind that the pain should not be very intense. If it is, this indicates that the specialist selected the wrong dosage of the active agent.

Although today's whitening materials are gentler, they still have a damaging effect on the mineral composition of the enamel. That is why after whitening it is recommended to supplement your diet with healthy foods. To strengthen the teeth, you can also use various products, such as toothpastes or mixtures. They are sold at pharmacies and are applied to the enamel for several minutes.

When severe toothache appears, you need to seek help from a doctor. If this is not possible right away, you can follow these recommendations:

• A home remedy for relieving pain is to use a fluoride toothpaste with at least 1,500 ppm. Thanks to its remineralizing activity, the mineral composition of the enamel is restored, the enamel is strengthened, and microdefects are repaired. However, you should not use it too often.
• To relieve inflammation and provide an antibacterial effect, you can use mouthwashes containing propolis, chamomile, sage, or calendula. For this purpose, you can also use a toothpaste with a similar composition.

Enamel porosity increases after exposure to whitening agents, so during this period it is very important to limit the intake of certain foods and add others that are more beneficial. This diet is called the white diet, as it requires eliminating staining foods that can alter the shade of the teeth. These include black tea, coffee, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables.

To strengthen the enamel, it is necessary to eat more foods containing fluoride and calcium. These substances are found in kefir, fish, cheese, cottage cheese, and eggs.

In addition, the likelihood of aggressive effects on the teeth should be minimized. To do this, it is necessary to hold off on overly hard foods and very cold or hot drinks. It is also better to avoid acidic and spicy foods, so various citrus fruits, sauces, and seasonings are best excluded. These rules must be followed for at least a week, and sometimes longer.

After a professional whitening treatment, it's not just your diet that needs to change — your oral hygiene routine does too. Here are the key hygiene recommendations:

• Your toothpaste should not contain abrasive ingredients, as these can damage the enamel. It's best to use a toothpaste designed to reduce severe sensitivity. This type of product is especially important during the first 14–21 days after whitening. After that period, you can switch to a fluoride toothpaste. This kind of routine will strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities.
• Use a toothbrush that is not too hard, as a hard brush will increase sensitivity. A medium-bristled brush is best — but not too soft, because a soft brush won't effectively remove plaque and your hygiene routine won't deliver the results you need.
• Mouthwashes should not contain chlorhexidine, as it can cause significant staining of the enamel.
• After any meal, especially one containing staining substances, it's recommended to use dental floss or a water flosser. This routine should be followed especially carefully during the first few days, after which it will become a habit.

To keep your teeth healthy, in addition to personal hygiene, you shouldn't skip visits to the dentist. However, you should wait at least 6 months before scheduling your next appointment. A professional cleaning serves as excellent prevention against cavities.

After whitening, women should avoid lip glosses and bright lipsticks for the first few days.

Smoking harms the entire body, including the teeth and gums. Recently whitened enamel is especially affected. Tobacco tar and nicotine cause it to darken. Alcohol also tends to stain teeth, and strong alcoholic drinks act as irritants as well. Once your diet period is coming to an end, you can drink alcohol cautiously through a straw.

After teeth whitening, a patient begins a new chapter. Beyond the aesthetic improvement, the changes also affect lifestyle, diet, and hygiene. By following all your dentist's recommendations, you can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for a long time.