Post-Op Instructions Following Whitening

Following Bleaching:

  • Teeth are more susceptible to staining for the first 48 hours following bleaching treatments. For the first 48 hours after whitening, it is best to avoid dark-colored foods or beverages that can stain your teeth. Any item that can stain your clothes can also stain your teeth.
  • Avoid berries, cola or other dark sodas, red wine, coffee and tea, tobacco, and ketchup, soy or other dark sauces.

Using Your Custom Trays:

  • Follow the instructions given by our office, placing the bleaching gel in the center of each tooth position on the tray so that the gel will rest against the anterior surface of the teeth once it is placed in your mouth.
  • Wear trays for the recommended time.
  • Rinse the mouth, and gently remove any gel remaining on your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush.
  • Clean the trays.

Tooth Sensitivity:

  • During the first 24 hours following whitening, some patients experience transient sensitivity. This sensitive is usually mild if your teeth are not normally sensitive. With in-office whitening, this sensitivity will usually subside in 1‐2 days. With home whitening, it may be necessary for you to reduce the number of minutes or hours you are wearing the whitening trays or stop using if for several days to resolve.
  • If your teeth are sensitive after whitening, a mild analgesic such as Tylenol or Advil will usually be effective in making you more comfortable until your tooth sensitivity returns to normal. Using a sensitivity toothpaste or fluoride rinse can help to minimize sensitivity.

Gum Irritation:

  • This is the result of a small amount of whitening gel leaking under the gum protection. A burning sensation on your gums may also occur.
  • This should resolve by itself between a few hours to a few days.
  • You may also experience burning and /or swelling of the lips.
  • With home whitening, irritation can result from over filling your trays causing leakage onto the gum tissue. Irritation can also occur if you are using the tray for too many hours when you first start whitening. It may be necessary for you to reduce the amount of gel placed and reduce the amount of time you are wearing the trays or stop wearing for a few days.