Congratulations on completing your In-Chair Whitening Treatment. Your teeth may be more sensitive for a short time, and a little extra care over the next few days can help keep you comfortable and maintain your brighter result.

We recommend limiting strongly coloured food, drinks and tobacco during the first 48 hours after treatment. Examples include:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Cola, sports drinks and dark juices
• Curry and other strongly coloured spices
• Soy sauce and tomato-based sauces
• Berries and beetroot
• Chocolate
• Smoking, vaping and other tobacco products

A simple rule is: if it could stain a white shirt, it may also stain your teeth.

Lighter options include:

• Water and milk
• White rice
• Chicken and fish
• Pasta with a light-coloured sauce
• Bananas
• Plain yoghurt
• Eggs, potatoes and other pale foods

Temporary tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect of whitening. You may notice brief, sharp sensations or greater sensitivity to hot and cold. This usually settles within one to three days.

To stay comfortable:

1. Use a sensitivity toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
2. Avoid very hot, cold or acidic food and drinks until the sensitivity settles.
3. Use any sensitivity-relief product supplied by your dental team exactly as directed.
4. Do not use additional whitening products until your dentist advises that it is appropriate.

If you are considering over-the-counter pain relief, follow the label and check with your dentist, doctor or pharmacist if you have a medical condition, take other medicines, are pregnant or are unsure what is suitable for you.

Your gums may feel mildly tender or look slightly pale in a small area after whitening. This is usually temporary and should settle. Please contact us if the irritation is painful, is getting worse or does not improve.

Your teeth can look especially bright immediately after treatment because they are temporarily dehydrated. The shade will settle over the next few days as the teeth rehydrate.

Whitening changes the colour of natural teeth only. Existing fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers will not whiten. Your dentist can advise you if this creates a colour difference that concerns you.

To help maintain your result:

1. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily.
2. Rinse your mouth with water after coffee, tea, red wine or other staining drinks.
3. Limit smoking, vaping and tobacco use.
4. Attend regular professional cleans and dental check-ups.
5. Use take-home or top-up whitening only as recommended by your dental team.

Please call us if:

• Sensitivity is severe, is worsening or lasts longer than expected.
• Gum irritation is painful or does not settle.
• You develop swelling or another unexpected reaction.
• You have any concerns about your whitening result or aftercare.

If you have any questions or concerns following your treatment, please contact The Grove Dental on (02) 8817 2879. Our team is here to help.