FAQs
Follow the White Diet for 24-48 hours after a teeth whitening treatment. Once the pores close, which usually happens within 24-48 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits. An easy rule to remember is anything that would stain white fabric; Avoid it!
Why do my teeth look brown after whitening? ›
If teeth are overexposed to the hydrogen peroxide agent in whitening gel, the outer layers of enamel may begin to wear away, exposing the dentin and soft inner tissues. This results in lasting sensitivity and discoloration, as dentin is a naturally darker color than enamel.
What should you avoid after whitening your teeth? ›
For 48 hours after a professional teeth whitening, it's recommended that you avoid acidic, pigmented foods and beverages and stick to things that won't cause discoloration. This is commonly called the “White Diet”, a short-term diet consisting of white and light-colored foods and drinks.
How long do your teeth pores stay open after whitening? ›
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.
Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening? ›
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.
Is it normal for teeth to look patchy after whitening? ›
As these agents work to eliminate stains, they also extract moisture from the enamel, causing a temporary loss of water content. This dehydration leaves behind a porous and less mineralized surface, causing white spots on teeth after whitening.
How can I remove brown color from my teeth? ›
Removing Tooth Stains
- Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. You already brush your teeth twice daily and use mouthwash every day, so why not switch to whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes that are specially formulated to lift stains? ...
- Tooth whitening gel and trays. ...
- Tooth whitening strips. ...
- Whitening pens.
How long does it take for teeth to rehydrate after whitening? ›
Tooth stains break down and enter through those pores. The whitening gel raises your tooth's internal temperature, releasing its moisture and potentially leading to dehydration of the tooth. The teeth rehydrate themselves within a few days, but there are things you can do to improve the process.
Do teeth go back to normal after whitening? ›
After the treatment, it is natural for teeth' color to regress somewhat over time. This is normal and should be gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents, such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, colas, citrus drinks, fruits, etc.
How to close teeth pores after whitening? ›
By gently coating your teeth with a product like MI Paste or Colgate's Pro-Argin Toothpaste, you will plug up open pores on your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Additionally, the remineralizing effects of these pastes help to improve whitening.
Using hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week.
Why do my teeth not stay white after whitening? ›
Remember that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution for brighter teeth because lifestyle choices and diet can cause your teeth to stain again. If you want to maintain a bright, white smile permanently, then you will need to maintain your teeth with touch-up appointments every six months.
How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›
Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.