After professional teeth whitening, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity and discomfort in your teeth. The duration of this discomfort can vary from person to person, and can depend on a number of factors including the intensity of the whitening treatment, your teeth sensitivity level, and your overall dental health.
Here are the steps and some general guidelines on what to expect after a professional teeth whitening treatment:
- Immediately after the treatment:
Your teeth may feel sensitive and sore immediately after the whitening procedure. This is normal and usually subsides within a few hours. You may also experience some gum irritation or inflammation, which can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication.
- 24-48 hours after treatment:
Your teeth may continue to feel sensitive and sore for up to 48 hours after the whitening procedure. It’s best to avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold during this time as extreme temperatures can worsen tooth sensitivity.
- 2-3 days after treatment:
Most people find that their tooth sensitivity begins to improve after the first few days post-treatment. However, you may still experience some discomfort while consuming hot or cold food and drinks. Continue to avoid consuming anything too extreme in temperature and continue taking over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.
- 1 week after treatment:
After one week, most people find that their tooth sensitivity has significantly improved or disappeared completely. You can begin consuming hot and cold food and drinks again, but it’s still a good idea to be cautious and avoid anything too extreme in temperature.
It’s important to note that the above is a general guideline, and your individual experience may vary. If your tooth sensitivity persists for longer than a week, or is particularly severe, you should contact your dentist for advice. They may recommend additional treatments or adjustments to your oral care routine to help manage the sensitivity.
Tips for Protecting the Results of Professional Teeth Whitening
After investing in professional teeth whitening, you’ll want to take steps to protect the results and ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you maintain your newly brightened smile:
- Brush and floss regularly:
Good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining white teeth. Brush twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and surface stains.
- Use a whitening toothpaste:
A whitening toothpaste can help maintain the results of your professional treatment. Look for a toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are the same ingredients used in many professional whitening treatments.
- Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks:
Certain foods and drinks can cause teeth to stain over time, undoing the effects of your whitening treatment. Avoid or limit foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, and berries.
- Rinse your mouth after consuming stain-causing foods and drinks:
If you do consume a stain-causing food or drink, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterward to help prevent staining.
- Use a straw:
Drinking stain-causing beverages through a straw can help minimize contact with your teeth, reducing the risk of staining.
- Quit smoking:
Smoking can cause teeth to yellow or brown, and can quickly undo the results of a whitening treatment. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to maintain your bright smile.
- Get touch-up treatments:
Over time, your teeth may begin to lose some of their whiteness. Consider getting touch-up treatments every six months to a year to maintain your results.
By following these tips, you can help protect the results of your professional Southampton dentist and enjoy a brighter, more confident smile for longer.
Conclusion
teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.
Whether you choose an in-office treatment or an at-home option, professional teeth whitening can effectively remove stains and discoloration caused by factors such as aging, smoking, and consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
While teeth whitening can provide impressive results, it’s important to understand that the effects are not permanent.
Over time, your teeth may begin to lose some of their whiteness, and touch-up treatments may be necessary to maintain your results. Additionally, good oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages can help prolong the effects of your whitening treatment.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, it’s important to discuss your options with a dental professional to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
With proper care and maintenance, teeth whitening can help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.
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