When you make first impressions, your smile can say a million words. That’s why so many people turn to not only the medical care of their teeth and smile, but also the cosmetics of their pearly whites.
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Recently, it’s been estimated that up to 67% of Americans have had their teeth whitened to look their best.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid certain activities after your appointment to maximize the treatment’s effectiveness and avoid potential complications. If you find yourself among the growing population of people who want to whiten their teeth or have an appointment with our dentists in Woodland Hills, here are some things you should avoid immediately following your appointment.
1. Consuming certain foods and drinks
After teeth whitening, your teeth may be more sensitive to certain foods and drinks. It’s best to avoid consuming anything that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables like beets.
Also, teeth temporarily become more vulnerable to bacterial and acidic challenges, so you should avoid eating or drinking anything particularly acidic. Doing so can cause extra sensitivity and irritation.
2. Using tobacco products
Smoking and using tobacco products are not the best for your overall health or oral health.
However, smoking and using other tobacco products can also stain your teeth and negate the effects of your teeth whitening treatment. It’s best to avoid using tobacco products altogether, but if you must use them for one reason or another, try to limit your exposure as much as possible, especially during the 24-hour period following your whitening treatment.
3. Brushing your teeth immediately after your appointment
After your teeth whitening appointment, your dentist will most likely give you instructions on how to care for your teeth. This may include avoiding brushing your teeth immediately after your appointment, as it can cause sensitivity and irritation.
Besides avoiding irritation, many toothpastes try to superficially whiten teeth by using color correction. Often, these toothpastes have a blue or purple color added to them to make teeth appear whiter. For the first. 48 hours you should also avoid brushing your teeth using colored toothpaste, gels, or mouthwash.
4. Exposing your teeth to excessive amounts of sunlight
Sunlight, like most things in your life, is good in moderation. But because UV rays within sunlight react with the chemicals used to whiten your teeth, if you expose your teeth to sunlight after a whitening treatment, chemical reactions can continue to occur that may risk serious burns to your teeth and the inside of your mouth. These chemical reactions and general exposure after whitening can lead to increased tooth sensitivity.
Sunlight can also cause your teeth to turn yellow and fade over time. To help protect your teeth and maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to avoid exposing your teeth to excessive amounts of sunlight. Avoid sitting or tanning in direct sunlight and wear a hat or use an umbrella when you’re outside for extended periods.
While it seems like there are many things to avoid after an appointment for teeth whitening, the possibilities are open to you for what you can do two to three days after your procedure. Your dentist can guide you on what to avoid to maximize the effectiveness of your teeth whitening treatment and avoid potential complications.
But be warned, deciding to whiten your teeth can lead to extreme boosts confidence and attraction. Book your appointment with our trained professionals for your whiter, brighter smile and confidence people will notice.
