Teeth whitening lightens the colour of your teeth, but how long the result lasts depends largely on what you do in the days and months afterwards. This is the aftercare we recommend to our patients in Sotogrande.
The first 48 hours matter most
Straight after treatment the enamel is more porous and picks up pigments easily. For the first two days it is best to follow a “white diet”:
- Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, cola and dark fruit juices.
- Avoid strongly coloured sauces such as tomato, curry or soy, and red berries.
- Do not smoke: tobacco is one of the main causes of staining.
- Choose pale foods: chicken, white fish, rice, pasta, potatoes, yoghurt or fresh cheese.
Some sensitivity is normal
Many people notice sensitivity to hot or cold during treatment and for a few days afterwards. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. In the meantime it helps to use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, avoid very hot or very cold drinks and not brush too hard. If the discomfort is severe or lasts longer than expected, give us a call.
How to keep your new shade for longer
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use floss or interdental brushes.
- If you drink coffee or wine, have some water afterwards or use a straw for cold drinks.
- Have a professional clean at least once a year to remove surface stains.
- If needed, a top-up with your whitening trays after a while restores the shade.
With these habits, results usually last between one and three years. Remember that fillings and crowns do not change colour, so if you have any that show when you smile, they may need replacing to match.
If you are thinking about whitening your teeth, our teeth whitening in Sotogrande page explains the treatment step by step.
This article is for information only and does not replace a personal assessment at the clinic.
