Brushing quickly after whitening can help remove any residual gel or substance from your teeth, keeping it from remaining on the enamel and potentially causing irritation or damage. Brushing after whitening can also help eliminate any tiny stains or discolorations that were lifted during the whitening process.
Immediate Aftercare: Wait for at least an hour after the whitening procedure before brushing. This time allows your enamel to recover without causing any sensitivity. First 24 Hours: For the initial hours after whitening, avoid brushing to give your teeth time to settle.
The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.
Yes, you can swallow your saliva while using whitening strips, as most bleaching agents in the strips are safe for oral use and ingestion in small amounts. But you do not need to swallow excessive amounts of saliva while using the strips.
If you experience a buildup of saliva while using, it's fine to briefly remove the device, expectorate (spit) and then replace it back into your mouth.
What happens if I swallow the strip or some of the gel from the strip? No adverse effects will result from ingesting the peroxide gel. It will simply pass through your system without causing any damage. However, swallowing large amounts of peroxide can cause nausea and stomach irritation.
Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.
Do not eat or drink anything except water for the first hour after the treatment because the gel opens the pores of the enamel and makes the teeth very vulnerable to staining agents. You can resume your everyday habits 24 hours after your treatment.
The same goes for improper or excessive teeth whitening treatments. While these methods aim to brighten your smile, they can thin your enamel, leading to a translucent appearance.
Should You Use Whitening Strips In The Morning Or Night? Whether you choose to use whitening strips in the morning or at night depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. There is no strict rule regarding the time of day you should use them.
Risk of Gum Irritation: If you brush too vigorously before applying the strips, you might irritate your gums. When the whitening gel comes into contact with irritated gums, it can cause discomfort or a burning sensation.
It should be safe to resume your regular diet 48 hours after teeth whitening. Limiting your diet may seem like a daunting task. But this temporary sacrifice can help you achieve a brighter and whiter smile.
Tooth whitening can be effective at lightening teeth but may not make a complete colour change. Sometimes additional treatment will be needed to achieve the desired result. Some teeth can become darker over time and may need repeated tooth whitening in the future.
Tooth Brushing: Before or After Breakfast
By brushing before breakfast, you don't allow the bacteria from breakfast add to the plaque already formed. Brushing your teeth before breakfast also lowers the risk that the enamel will be damaged.
Avoid sugary varieties, such as flavoured yoghurts or ice cream, when consuming dairy products for whitening teeth. This is because sugar can interact with bacteria in the mouth to create acidic conditions that can damage the enamel.
While it may be tempting to brush immediately after using strips, it's best to wait for your enamel to recover before brushing gently with a sensitive toothpaste. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a radiant smile without compromising your dental health.
Many people accidentally drink coffee out of habit right after their teeth whitening, and if you did as well — that is okay. Coffee may not have noticeable effects if you have it once or twice, and it might not interfere with the overall results.
What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Thinner enamel may allow bleaching agents to reach the dentin and pulp more easily, triggering heightened sensitivity.
Most People Can Whiten Their Teeth Once a Year
Dentists monitor the risks and only recommend whitening to eligible candidates. Most people can get a full bleaching system every 12-18 months with touch-ups throughout the year.
This is because the longer it takes for you to chew your food, the more saliva is secreted in your mouth. This is good for your teeth as saliva acts as a natural cleanser for your teeth and ensures that they shine bright every time you smile!
If no notice of some bubbling effect on your whitening tray, no matter if you're using night or day whitening gel, don't worry. This reaction is completely normal and it's part of the bleaching process which will make your teeth sparkling white.