Aftercare
Teeth whitening aftercare
How to protect your results in the first 48 hours after whitening, with the white diet, sensitivity care, and long-term maintenance tips.
This is general aftercare guidance, not a substitute for the specific instructions your dentist gave you. If their advice differs, follow theirs. If you are worried about your recovery, please contact us.
Quick guide
Do's and don'ts
- Follow a white or light-coloured diet for 48 hours
- Drink plenty of water
- Use a sensitive-formula toothpaste
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush
- Rinse with water after meals
- Use a desensitising gel if one is prescribed
- Attend your regular dental cleanings
- Do not drink coffee, tea or red wine
- Do not smoke or vape
- Do not eat or drink anything very hot or very cold
- Do not eat dark sauces or berries
- Do not skip your oral hygiene
- Do not eat coloured foods during the first 48 hours
- Do not ignore prolonged sensitivity
First 48 hours
Follow the white diet
For the first 48 hours, choose light-coloured foods and drinks only.
Good choices
- Water and milk
- White rice, white pasta and bread
- Chicken, turkey and fish
- Eggs and yoghurt
- Cauliflower, potatoes and bananas
First 48 hours
Avoid staining foods and drinks
During the first 48 hours, do not have:
- Coffee, tea and dark sodas
- Red wine
- Soy sauce and other dark sauces
- Tomato-based sauces
- Red meat
- Dark berries
Avoid tobacco products too, including smoking and vaping.
Protect your teeth
- Mind temperature: Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks, as sensitivity is common after whitening. Use a straw for any drink other than water.
- Use your desensitising gel: If a desensitising gel was provided, apply it to the teeth and leave it on for 30 minutes as directed.
Daily oral care
- Brush gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use a sensitive-formula or fluoride toothpaste.
- Rinse with water after meals to help prevent staining.
Long-term maintenance
- After dark food or drink: Rinse your mouth with water to reduce staining.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing.
- Regular cleanings: Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and surface stains.
- Touch-ups: Consider a whitening touch-up every 12 months, or as your dentist recommends.
- If sensitivity continues, keep using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
When to contact us
Please contact us if you experience:
- Sensitivity that is severe or lasts more than a few days
- Unusual or ongoing discomfort
- Any concern about your results or your aftercare
Questions about your recovery?
Not sure if something is normal?
If anything about your recovery does not seem right, call or message us. We will advise you, and arrange a review if you need one.