Teeth whitening is an amazing cosmetic procedure for making your teeth more even in tone and your smile brighter. However, there are certain rules you should follow after the procedure to have the effects last as soon as possible and not to harm your teeth. Read our article and find out when you can brush your teeth after teeth whitening.
When Can You Brush Your Teeth After Teeth Whitening
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a procedure usually performed by your cosmetic dentist. It is mainly aimed at removing stains from your teeth enamel or treating its discoloration. As a result of teeth whitening, your teeth can get several shades whiter.
Typically, teeth whitening procedures can come in two forms:
Teeth whitening is done by a dentist at the dental office, also called in-office teeth whitening. Usually, in-office whitening is considered to be more effective because a professional can use stronger whitening solutions without risks or negative effects on your teeth. On top of that, there tends to be some additional equipment in a dental office to enhance the process, for example, a laser.
Some dental offices offer at-home whitening solutions. They give their patients special trays to wear at night or during the day for a certain amount of time. These trays have an active gel inside them that gradually whitens your teeth. Do not confuse this method of whitening with some solutions sold over the counter. As opposed to those, teeth whitening solutions offered by a dental office are a professional and usually custom-made method of treatment.
How Does Whitening Affect Your Teeth
The teeth whitening procedure involves using special bleaching agents. Usually, it is hydrogen peroxide that penetrates the enamel of your teeth and breaks down elements that manifest in stains and discoloration. Precisely because teeth whitening involves using bleaching agents, we do not recommend attempting it by yourself without previous consultation with your dentist.
The process of teeth whitening done professionally does not harm or damage your teeth. But it still is a chemical bleaching procedure, which is why your teeth might be sensitive and vulnerable and require special care for some time after it is done.
How to Prepare for Teeth Whitening Procedure
Typically, dentists recommend brushing your teeth before the whitening procedure. This way, you can remove bacteria and some food debris. Some dentists also perform professional cleaning before the procedure to remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth. This ensures better results from the teeth whitening procedure.
What to Do After Teeth Whitening Procedure
As we mentioned before, even though the procedure is safe, it leaves your teeth and the enamel sensitive for some time after. Not to strain your teeth more than necessary and to preserve the effects of the whitening, you should follow some basic rules of aftercare routine:
Do not consume any foods or beverages that can stain your newly whitened teeth. The list includes coffee, black tea, red wine, juices, and other beverages that contain dye, as well as berries and colored sweets. Dentists recommend abstaining from such foods and drinks for at least several days, but it is a good idea to reduce their consumption as much as possible in general if you underwent the procedure of teeth whitening.
Avoid smoking tobacco products, as they also stain your teeth.
Make sure that your oral hygiene is sufficient. It will prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and help your teeth heal as soon as possible.
Use a toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth.
Mouthwashes that contain dye can also stain your teeth, so try to choose clear solutions for rinsing your mouth.
Brushing Your Teeth After Teeth Whitening Procedure: Dos and Don’ts
Typically, dentists recommend not brushing your teeth for the first 24 hours after the whitening procedure. There are several points to remember:
Brushing your teeth too soon after whitening can damage sensitive teeth enamel. Keep in mind that your teeth just underwent the procedure of chemical bleaching, and they need to be protected from further irritation.
Apart from harming the enamel, brushing your teeth too soon after the procedure can increase sensitivity or cause tooth pain when consuming food or breathing through your mouth.
Additionally, if you brush your teeth too soon after whitening, you can actually reduce the effects of the procedure.
You can use a fluoride mouthwash in the first 24 hours after whitening to refresh your mouth.
To allow the enamel of your teeth to regain its strength, use a soft brush after the first 24 hours.
If you want to learn more about the procedure of teeth whitening and if it is a good option for you, make an appointment with one of our dentists at OCSI Dentistry.