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9 Post-Teeth Whitening Care Tips: From White to Wow!


Written by Dr. Caleb Goodman

9 Post-teeth whitening tips
Just got your teeth whitened? Nice! That fresh, clean look feels amazing! But here’s the thing: if you want to keep them looking that good, you’ve got to take post-teeth-whitening care seriously.

Most people don’t realize how sensitive their teeth get after a whitening treatment. Your enamel is a little more open, almost like tiny pores are exposed. That means stuff that wouldn’t normally stain your teeth, now might. So, you must avoid certain things.
In this article:

9 Teeth Whitening Aftercare Tips:

9 Teeth Whitening Aftercare Tips

If you are wondering what to do after teeth whitening to prolong its results, here’s the no-fluff guide to keeping that smile bright.

Some tips after teeth whitening to prolong the results

1. Want to Drink Some Dark Drinks? Nope (For Now)


If you are a coffee lover, this one stings, literally. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas leave behind color. If you drink them right after whitening, your teeth may absorb the pigment like a sponge.

It would be best to switch to water or milk for a couple of days. However, if you have to have your morning drink, use a straw and rinse with water right after.

2. Skip the Sauces That Stain


Here’s one you might not expect: sauces. Yes, things like soy sauce, curry, tomato-based stuff, or balsamic vinegar can dull your results fast. These sauces have strong colors that love latching onto freshly-whitened enamel. Some areas of your teeth might even stain more than others, making the color look uneven.

So, stay away from sauces for a few days to avoid this uneven teeth whitening, especially for at least 48 hours after the treatment.

3. Keep Acids Off the Menu (At Least for a While)


Anything tangy, like lemons, oranges, and vinegar, can weaken your enamel even more. Since your teeth are already a bit sensitive, acids can make them hurt or make it easier for stains to stick. So, yes, you need to avoid these flavorful additions to your food. But the good news is that it’s not forever, just a few days.

4. Feeling Zingy? Use Sensitivity Toothpaste


A little sensitivity after whitening is totally normal. Cold water, air, and even brushing might make your teeth twinge a bit. Switch to a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. A soft toothbrush can definitely help ease the weird zaps and protect your enamel during post-teeth-whitening care.

5. Brush Gently, Don’t Scrub


Now’s not the time to go full power mode with your toothbrush. Use a soft brush and take it slow. Circular motion works better than side-to-side scrubbing. And skip the whitening toothpaste for now. They are often gritty and can wear down enamel more.

6. Drink With a Straw (It Helps More Than You Think)


Drinking with a straw is one of the most important parts of care after teeth whitening. Don’t skip it if you want to reduce the chances of staining. Especially with colored drinks, a straw keeps most of the liquid away from your front teeth. Even something like iced tea or juice is better through a straw. It’s a small habit, but a helpful one.

7. Floss Matters


Flossing doesn’t just clean your gums. It keeps little bits of food and plaque from sticking between teeth. Those little areas are stain magnets. If you are serious about keeping teeth white after whitening, flossing is a must.

8. Smoke? Try to Cut it Down


Tobacco stains teeth faster than almost anything else. If you smoke or chew tobacco, your whitening results probably won’t last long. Honestly, if you were ever thinking of quitting, right after a whitening treatment is the best time to start.

9. Don’t Ghost Your Dentist


You paid for that brighter smile! Don’t let it fade too fast. Keep up with your regular checkups, and if you notice uneven patches or fading, book a follow-up. Your dentist can guide you on touch-ups or long-term care after teeth whitening.

Conclusion

To conclude, keeping your teeth white isn’t complicated. However, it does take a little effort. The first 48 hours after whitening matter the most. Avoiding dark foods, brushing gently, drinking smart, and skipping harsh products help those results stick around.

Don’t overthink it! Just be mindful for a few days, and your smile will thank you.

About the author


Dr. Caleb Goodman is a highly experienced dentist and the proud owner of Goodman Dental in Goodyear. With over a decade in the dental field, he's passionate about helping patients overcome dental issues, relieve pain, and feel confident in their smiles.
A graduate of the University of Arizona and Midwestern University, Dr. Goodman is also a member of the Arizona Dental Association and serves as the team dentist for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians during spring training.