Paying for cosmetic dental treatments for white teeth is a favorite American pastime that generates $1.4 billion in sales annually. It is estimated that over the past few years, the tooth whitening niche has grown by over 300 percent. The industry growth has been fueled by a myriad of options such as DIY kits, toothpastes and tooth bleaching delivered by dental care professionals and individuals looking to get the best results regardless of their choice need to carefully select what they eat after the procedure has been implemented.

Thanks to the proliferation of mall kiosks and home tooth bleaching, it may appear that getting whiter teeth is as simple and risk free as getting hair bleached at the salon. Nothing is further from the truth as the process involves professional grade chemicals that if used incorrectly can cause dental problems (including toothaches and tooth enamel erosion). That is why experts advice individuals to get cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth bleaching in a professional dental office staffed with a dentist and to watch what is eaten after the treatment to minimize discomfort and the potential for tooth staining.

Protecting Your Teeth After Whitening

Tooth sensitivity is common after teeth whitening. The pain is typically caused by the absorption of the chemicals via open dentinal tubules and it is not unusual for the discomfort to last up to 72 hours after the final stage of the dental treatment has been implemented. Those dealing with the pain can minimize the feeling by eating room temperature foods afterwards.

Toothaches can be caused by an assortment of dental problems including chipped or broken teeth, dental abscesses, gum disease and tooth decay and temperature fluctuations is the most common trigger for pain. Teeth bleaching will temporary alter the tooth surface, potentially exposing dentin and irratiating the dentinal tubules. Temperatures that are either too hot or too cold will result in maximum sensitivity and pain. Individuals need to ensure their foods (regardless of what they are) are just right to avoid the affliction.

How to Keep Your Smile White Longer

Food is not just tasty, the process of eating and digestion is essential to delivering body nutrients for health and well being. People have dozens of ways of getting their crunch-on,including options such as chips and cookies, but individuals who want to maintain the pearly whites from their professional tooth bleaching session are advised to eat crunchy foods that are also natural tooth cleaners.

There are plenty of delicious and affordable crunchy food options that also meet the government’s current Nutrition Plate recommendations.:

• Apples
• Celery
• Carrot sticks
• Cauliflower
• Fresh air-popped popcorn
• Cheese

These healthy foods that can help remove excess dental plaque, cleanse in between teeth and will increase saliva production. As more of that fluid is created, the more easily harmful acids will be neutralized. The entire mastication process involving these natural bounties will help keep newly bleached teeth as white as possible. Dairy foods are dental health booster as the products are rich in calcium (essential for bone health) and science has shown that low-fat dairy products are essential to boosting oral health and minimizing conditions such as tooth decay and periodontal disease. Plus the naturally light color associated with the food will eliminate the fear of stains negatively impacting freshly bleached teeth.

What Should You Avoid After Teeth Whitening

Eating after tooth bleaching can be challenging and individuals are also encouraged to avoid the following:

• Coffee or Tea
• Soft drinks (except any that are clear)
• Alcohol
• Smoking

Whether you are looking for a dentist to professional whiten your teeth or you want to talk to a dental care provider to get more tips, 0900-DENTIST can provide you with help.