In-Office Bleaching Post-Operative Care

After in-office bleaching at Hutchinson Family Dental, it is normal to experience the following temporary effects:

• Mild tooth sensitivity to hot or cold for 24–48 hours
• Slight gum tenderness
• Temporary white spots on the teeth (these fade as the teeth rehydrate)
• A brighter but slightly uneven shade for the first day, which typically settles evenly within 24–48 hours

Ibuprofen or Tylenol may be taken every 6–8 hours as needed for discomfort.

Your teeth are more porous immediately after whitening, which makes them more susceptible to staining. For the first 48 hours, avoid anything that would stain a white shirt.

Avoid:

• Coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks
• Red wine
• Tomato-based foods, berries, soy sauce, chocolate
• Mustard, curry, and colored sauces
• Tobacco products, including smoking or vaping

You may have:

• Water, milk, and clear beverages
• Plain chicken, turkey, or white fish
• Eggs, cheese, white rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes
• Cauliflower, peeled apples, and bananas

To reduce temporary tooth sensitivity:

• Use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive
• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush

Whitening results can last months to years depending on diet, habits, and home care. To keep your smile bright:

• Brush twice daily and floss daily
• Limit strongly colored foods and drinks
• Use a straw when drinking beverages that stain
• Schedule dental cleanings every six months
• Use take-home whitening trays or touch-up kits as recommended

Before bleaching, brush and floss your teeth.

Place a small drop of bleach, about the size of a pencil tip, into each tooth compartment of the custom tray.

With a damp washcloth, wipe away any excess bleach from the gums. Leaving bleach on the gums can cause irritation. If this occurs, the area may temporarily turn white but should return to normal within a few hours.

Wear the trays for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night.

• If sensitivity occurs, reduce wear time to 30 minutes per day or stop use until sensitivity subsides.
• If no sensitivity occurs, you may increase wear time. Longer wear times typically result in whiter teeth.

After removing the trays, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove remaining bleach.

To avoid staining, do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after completing the bleaching process.