Sensitive Teeth Whitening Explained 

It’s only fair to ask what happens during these expensive whitening procedures and how they work. Do they cause pain or sensitivity? What post-operative care do you need to take? Well, we thought of putting together a list of things everyone should take care of while enjoying their next whitening appointment at Smile4Ever Dental at Jester Boulevard in Houston/ 

Many of you might not know, but there is a layer on your teeth called acquired pellicle. It’s a protein layer that covers the tooth and regulates moisture and shields the tooth from temperature. It must protect the sensitive dental areas. Professional teeth whitening treatments eliminate this layer, resulting in porous teeth. But how long are teeth porous after whitening?

It requires 24 hours to regenerate this protective layer. Therefore, the effectiveness of teeth whitening depends on the 48-hour post-procedure.

At Smile4Ever Family Dentistry we pride ourselves on our cosmetic dental services. Our comprehensive methods give you the ideal result you are looking for. Our friendly staff and expert dentists will provide a thorough assessment before the procedure and advise the best working plan for you and your family. Call us now and book an appointment today for our Jester Boulevard Practice.  

Why Do Teeth Become Porous After Whitening?

For daily food intake, many stains and dyes that are abundantly present in both natural and artificially dyed foods penetrate the enamel layer and are absorbed by the tooth. 

These Stains get locked inside, changing the color of the tooth to yellow or brown and are known as intrinsic stains. Thus, causing the teeth to look pale or brown over time. 

Whitening gels are peroxide-based, either Carbamide peroxide (CH4N2O.H2O2) or Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in different concentrations, as specified by the manufacturer. Applying these chemicals opens the enamel surface, allowing the chemicals to interact with the stains and neutralise them. This process leaves the pores open for 24 to 48 till the pellicle layer is reformed and starts to protect the tooth again. 

It is only during this time that the dentist advises keeping away from acidic or coloured foods and drinks, as there is a high chance of tooth staining to recur.

Sensitive Teeth Whitening: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

If you’re experiencing a sharp, shooting, or electrifying sensation in your teeth, it’s pretty typical and expected. General teeth sensitivity after whitening is expected, not for all patients, but if someone is experiencing it, there are a few remedies to help alleviate it. 

This effect typically lasts until the pores are open after whitening and can be minimised and contained with the following steps. 

Here’s how to manage it:

1. Use sensitive teeth whitening products that include potassium nitrate or fluoride.
2. Avoid extreme temperature foods for a couple of days.
3. Use desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive.
4. Ask your dentist for sensitivity gels post-treatment.

The good news? Most whitening-related sensitivity fades within a few days.

Should You Brush Before Whitening Strips?

The answer is Yes. You need to brush to remove any external stuck food and residual layers that can block the effect of whitening strips. The tooth surface must be clean and debris-free before applying the strip. But there is a curveball in this situation.

Because bruising can cause gum irritation and bleeding in many individuals, it’s better to wait 30 minutes before putting the strips. It gives enough time for the gum to come to rest. Do not eat anything after brushing.

Also, you can use a soft-bristle toothpaste and warm salt water gargles to soothe the mouth before the application of the strips. If you’re experiencing issues like gum irritation or swelling after a tooth extraction, you might find helpful tips in our article on gum swelling post-tooth extraction.

For more information on how to avoid nausea from toothpaste, check out our detailed guide on why toothpaste might make you nauseous. Additionally, if you want to learn more about our comprehensive range of services, feel free to visit our general dentistry services page.

How Long Are Pores Open After Teeth Whitening?

The pores in your enamel open during the teeth whitening procedure. You can wait for 24-48 hours for them to close. Once they do, your teeth should feel less porous, and you can resume your routine habits.

How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Eat Normally Again?

The question isn’t just what to eat, but how long after teeth whitening can I eat normally without ruining the results. As the enamel pores remain open for the next 24 to 48 hours, it becomes essential to take a few steps, as explained earlier, to prevent that effect before consuming stained foods. 

In the first 48 hours, you strictly adhere to the “ White Diet”. What the White Diet means is anything that does not have color or leaches food color, staining the teeth. This can be Fish, Chicken, White Rice, or Pasta, but ensure that no red sauces or yellow curries are added. Red Wine, Black Coffee and Sodas with color are also to be restricted in the first 48 hours. 

Once the porosities close after 48 hours, you can enjoy your regular meals within a limits. Remember colored foods transfer stains onto your teeth. 

How long does Teeth Whitening last?

If you take care of your diet and refrain from staining food colors the whitening effects can last upto easily 6 months. Regular cleaning and Dental Check ups are also recommended from external food stains to build up or plaque build up that can effect the tooth surface and cause darkening of the teeth. Have a discussion with your dentist on this and they will guide you on which system to go for and what precautions you can take to make the effect last longer. 

Aftercare Post – 48 Hours

Teeth whitening treatments use a bleaching agent to remove stains from your teeth. This agent penetrates your enamel through tiny pores, similar to how a hot washcloth opens pores on your face to clean it better.

For at least the first 48 hours after whitening, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce. Also, avoid acidic foods such as fermented items, vinegar, pickles, and citrus fruits.

Although the pores should return to normal size after 48 hours, you can be cautious for a full week to make the most out of your teeth whitening treatment.

Dental Care After Teeth Whitening

There are no major changes required in your dental care regimen. However, the following are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

1. Brush and Floss as Usual: Keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, just like you normally do.
2. Use Anti-Sensitivity Products: If your teeth feel sensitive after whitening, switch to anti-sensitivity toothpaste or use anti-sensitivity gel. Use the toothpaste as you normally would. Apply the gel to your teeth to help block the pores and reduce sensitivity.
3. Choose White Toothpaste and Clear Mouthwash: Avoid colored toothpaste and mouthwash, as they can stain your teeth.
4. Rinse with Water: If you eat or drink something that might stain your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to remove any leftover particles.
5. Wait 30 Minutes After Eating to Brush: After eating, especially acidic or sugary foods, wait 30 minutes before brushing or flossing. These foods can temporarily weaken your enamel, and brushing right away can damage it further.

How to Hydrate Teeth After Whitening?

The teeth whitening process can cause your teeth to lose moisture as the pores in your teeth open to let the whitening agents in, and fluids, and moisture can escape. The internal temperature of each tooth also rises during whitening, triggering further moisture loss.

1. After the procedure, your teeth will naturally rehydrate in two to seven days. However, you can accelerate this process:
2. Water hydrates your entire body, including your teeth. So, drink plenty of it.
3. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and promotes the remineralization of your teeth’s surface. Use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
4. Stop drinking soda and other carbonated drinks. They can cause more moisture loss and slow down the rehydration process.
5. Apply remineralizing gels to help restore lost minerals in your teeth.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening treatments are safe, especially those done at the dental office. However, this doesn’t mean they will not have any temporary side effects. Knowing “How long are teeth porous after whitening?” is crucial to make and follow a proper aftercare plan.

Visit Dr. Abdullah Paracha and Dr. Marina Siddiqi  at Smile4Ever Family Dentistry for Zoom teeth whitening. Our doctor is professionally associated with the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Greater Houston Dental Society. Dial (281) 213-5668 for TC Jester Blvd clinic to book an appointment.