Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth whitening treatments contain bleaching chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, which break down the compounds that stain your teeth. As these compounds get smaller, they can be removed from the tooth, giving it a brightening effect. 

After teeth whitening, you need to avoid food and drinks that may stain or irritate your teeth. These include tea, coffee, red juices, etc. However, after 1 to 3 days, you can resume your regular diet. 

The results from professional teeth whitening vary from person to person but can last up to 3 years. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for over-the-counter whitening products, which typically only last a few months. 

However, there are certain factors that can affect how long the teeth whitening effects last. Practising good oral hygiene will result in you enjoying the effects for a longer period. On the other hand, things like smoking, drinking dark liquids like coffee and wine will stain your teeth quickly, making the teeth whitening effects short-lived.

The frequency of your teeth whitening treatments depends on your diet and oral hygiene. If you smoke, chew tobacco, or consume meals or drinks that stain your teeth, you’ll need teeth whitening more frequently.

Regardless, we advise that you get your dentist’s recommendation on how often you need teeth whitening treatments. 

Teeth whitening is safe as long as it’s done by a professional and experienced dentist. While some DIY teeth whitening kits may also be safe, you still need to do your research. A major reason why is that DIY kits do not provide dental examination beforehand and, therefore, may cause health issues after the procedure. 

On the other hand, a professional dentist providing teeth whitening services will carry out a dental check before the procedure. For instance, if you have very sensitive teeth, gum disease, or cavities, you shouldn’t be whitening your teeth. However, a professional dentist may be able to find a teeth whitening solution that suits your needs. 

That said, professional teeth whitening can also cause some tooth sensitivity, but this typically only lasts a couple of days. 

At Knight Street Dentists, we take every possible measure to minimise the likelihood of the whitening gel getting in contact with your gums.

After a teeth whitening treatment, you want to avoid certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Examples include red wine, tea, tomato juice, coffee, and soda. You also need to avoid sugary foods, smoking, and chewing tobacco. You shouldn’t take any of these for at least two days after treatment. Subsequently, you should still limit your intake as these substances stain your teeth and can undo the teeth whitening treatment quicker than usual. 

On the flip side, you should eat what is known as a white diet in order to guarantee the best results – this includes things like tofu, yoghurt, chicken, fish, etc. Foods that are literally white! 

Additionally, you may also want to avoid consuming cold or hot foods a few days after the teeth whitening procedure as your teeth may still be sensitive.