Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentistry aims at enhancing the aesthetics of your smile by making subtle and not-so-subtle changes to your oral tissues, such as the teeth, gums, facial contour, etc. One such popular cosmetic procedure is teeth whitening, the non-invasive treatment that removes the stains from the surfaces of teeth. This treatment can be performed in-office or at home with the help of take-home whitening kits.

Our office uses Opalescence Boost and GO take-home trays. Custom whitening trays are also an option. 

It is essential you follow suitable aftercare instructions given to you after having teeth whitening done. Some of the useful practices that we from Historic Hyde Park Dentistry recommend to help maintain the whiteness of your teeth after the treatment:

Keep Away from Acidic Foods

Acidic foods such as pickles, aerated beverages, lemons, and other food and drinks should be avoided for the first few days after having teeth whitening done. Whitening opens up the pores of the enamel and makes the teeth more sensitive and weak. Consuming acidic foods would make staining particles settle in the pores, causing discoloration of the teeth. And of course, the acids themselves make the teeth even more vulnerable by eroding the teeth’s enamel.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods

As we mentioned, teeth whitening often makes the teeth weaker and more sensitive for a few days. Eating hot or cold meals could cause bouts of extreme sensation, making it seem highly uncomfortable to you. So, instead of consuming either hot or cold meals, consider eating more veggies and fruits. These foods, aside from providing you with the proper nutrients you need, improve saliva production and do not cause any adverse effects on the teeth.

Avoid Smoking and Other Unhealthy Oral Habits

Smoking and chewing tobacco are the main culprits behind severely stained teeth. Smoking involves the inhalation of particulate matter, which could get deposited in the pores of the enamel. This would undo the effect of teeth whitening, so avoid them or stop them altogether. 

Also, keep away from colored foods, wine, beverages, chocolate, or even brushing with colored toothpaste. It is advisable to use special toothpaste for sensitive teeth instead to reduce hypersensitivity in the teeth.

We invite you to schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts at Historic Hyde Park Dentistry to get all your oral concerns addressed at the earliest. Please call us at (813) 253-3041 or schedule an online consultation and we’ll be happy to help.