Following whitening, sensitivity and soreness are very common. Your teeth may be sensitive to cold air and drinks and if any of the whitening agents get on your gums, it may cause tenderness. This sensitivity and soreness will gradually subside after a couple of days. If you are more prone to sensitivity, you may choose to use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before, during, and after whitening.
Try to avoid any dark or reddish colored foods and beverages (red sauces, coffee, red wine, tea) and smoking for 48 hours following whitening. This is because your teeth are most susceptible to absorbing a new stain in this period. Tooth-colored fillings already done on your teeth will not whiten. If the filling matches the current teeth color, bleaching will result in mismatched shades between your natural teeth and the filling. You may need to have your old fillings replaced to match your newly whitened teeth.
To maintain your shade for as long as possible, avoid colorants (dark food and drinks, tobacco), use whitening toothpaste, and get regular cleanings done by your dentist. You may need to use home whitening trays a few times a month to maintain your shade.
The best way to maintain your white teeth after in-office whitening will be to utilize a take-home teeth whitening kit.
