Health Centered Dentistry

Dental Whitening (In-Office or At-Home) Post-Op Instructions

Thank you for choosing our office for your teeth whitening treatment. To maximize and maintain your results, please follow the guidelines below:

Immediately After Whitening (First 24-48 Hours)

Your teeth are more porous and susceptible to staining during this period. For best results:

  • Avoid staining substances, including:
    • Coffee, tea, red wine, soda;
    • Berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, beets, curry;
    • Tobacco (smoking or chewing); and
    • Colored mouthwashes (especially those with chlorhexidine)
  • Stick to a “white diet” when possible:
    • Water, milk, white rice, plain chicken or turkey, pasta with white sauce, bananas, apples (peeled), cauliflower, egg whites

Tooth & Gum Sensitivity: It is normal for some people to experience minor tooth sensitivity after treatment.

  • Mild to moderate sensitivity is normal and should subside within 24–72 hours.
  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth (e.g., Sensodyne), or baking soda slurry during and after whitening treatment.
  • Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages.
  • Avoid de-sensitizing products that contain stannous fluoride for about two weeks. These can cause dark stains on your teeth.
  • You may have sensitive white spots on your gums immediately after your in-office whitening treatment. These are temporary and should disappear after 20-30 minutes.
  • If you experience painful burning on your tums while using the take-home trays, you may spread a thin amount of petroleum jelly on your gums before you insert your trays.
  • If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort.

Oral Hygiene: Home care and routine dental care are very important.

  • Continue brushing and flossing gently but thoroughly.
  • Do not use colored mouthwash for the first 48 hours.
  • Use fluoride mouthwash or gel (if recommended) to help strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity.
  • Regularly scheduled professional cleanings and good oral hygiene will help preserve your smile.

Long-Term Maintenance: All whitening procedures wear off and teeth gradually return to a darker shade. To prolong the whiteness:

  • Avoid excessive consumption of staining foods and drinks.
  • Avoid tobacco.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after consuming stain-causing items.
  • Schedule touch-up whitening sessions or use custom trays as advised by your dentist. Touch-up treatments (in-office or custom trays) can be done every 6-12 months.

Call Us If You Experience:

  • Severe or prolonged sensitivity;
  • Gum irritation that doesn’t improve; and/or
  • Uneven or blotchy whitening that persists.

Your ideal whitening shade may not be apparent after just one in-office treatment. It may take several visits to reach your optimum shade. In-office whitening treatments (typically only cover the front 6-10 teeth. If you have a wide smile and show more than these front teeth, you may need to use additional at-home whitening treatments to ensure that all your teeth are the same shade. We’re here to help ensure your smile stays bright and healthy! Feel free to contact us with any questions.