Teeth Whitening Aftercare
For: Teeth Whitening
How to protect your whitening results and manage any sensitivity. Most sensitivity is temporary and settles within a day or two.
Questions about your recovery? Call the office where you were treated.
The Most Important Things to Do
- Avoid dark foods and drinks for the first 48 hours, such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries and tomato sauce.
- Avoid smoking and vaping, which stain teeth quickly after whitening.
- Using take-home trays? Wear them only as long as you were told. Longer wear does not whiten faster and can increase sensitivity.
- If your teeth are sensitive, take a break for a day before your next whitening session.
When to Call Us
- Sensitivity that is severe or lasts more than a few days after you stop whitening.
- Gums that stay white, sore, burning or blistered.
- Trays that rub, pinch or no longer fit well.
What Is Normal
- Some sensitivity to cold or air for a day or two after whitening.
- Brief tingling or small white patches on the gums where gel touched them, which usually fade within hours.
- Small white spots on the teeth right after whitening, which usually blend in within a day or two.
- Existing crowns, veneers and tooth-colored fillings do not change color with whitening.
Eating & Drinking
- For the first 48 hours, choose lighter-colored foods such as chicken, fish, rice, pasta, potatoes, bananas and plain yogurt.
- Drinking dark drinks through a straw after the first 48 hours can reduce contact with your front teeth.
- Do not eat or drink while wearing whitening trays.
Cleaning & Activity
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day to keep new stains from building up.
- Wipe any extra whitening gel off your gums after placing your trays.
- Rinse and brush your trays with cool water after each use and store them in their case, away from heat.
- A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help if your teeth feel sensitive.
Follow-Up Visits
- Keep your regular cleanings. They remove surface stains and help your results last.
- Ask at your next checkup whether an occasional touch-up makes sense for you.
Last revised
Questions about your recovery? Call the office where you were treated.