How you treat your teeth during the first two days post-treatment can have a dramatic impact on your results.Â
For at least the first 48 hours, avoid:Â Â
- Red wine and grape juice
- Red sauces (ketchup, tomato sauce), mustard, and soy sauce
- Coffee, tea, and cola (try white tea, if you can’t live without caffeine)
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries)
- Smoking and other tobacco products (which will stain teeth even after the initial 48-hour period)
“It’s extremely important to stay away from [staining] foods and drinks for 48 hours following the teeth whitening procedure,” says Houston dentist Dr. Scott Young in a RealSelf Q&A. “The enamel remains porous during this time, making it easy for them to penetrate the outer surface of enamel and negatively alter your results.”
You’ll be able to brush your teeth that first night. Just use a soft brush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth with lukewarm water, to avoid possible zingers.Â
“Stay away from colored mouthwashes for 48 hours as well,” says Dr. Steven Davidowitz, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. “The teeth are very prone to soak up the artificial colors in both foods and rinses during this time frame.”
Three days after your Zoom treatment, you’ll begin your at-home regimen.Â
Your dentist may supply you with trays and a whitening gel to help keep your teeth looking bright. Place a small amount of gel in each tray and insert them over your teeth, avoiding the gums and wiping away any excess. While you’re using the trays, don’t rinse your mouth, drink, swallow the gel, eat, or smoke.
After two hours, you can remove the trays and clean them with a toothbrush. You’ll do this every day for a week, until the gel is gone.
If you find your teeth are becoming too sensitive, you can reduce the time and frequency of your at-home treatments or stop altogether.
