Highlands Ranch Teeth Whitening Dentist: Rehydrate After Treatment

Coloradans know that staying hydrated is crucial when living at high altitudes. Drinking enough water keeps your skin from drying out, your head from aching, and your energy from waning. But did you know that hydration is also important for oral health? This is especially true after professional teeth whitening at Restore Dental. An often overlooked side effect of whitening is dental dehydration. Our Highlands Ranch teeth whitening dentist offers some tips for rehydrating after treatment and helping your new smile shine long after you leave our office. 

Why Does Teeth Whitening Cause Dehydration?

Teeth whitening procedures use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains on the enamel surface. To do that, the peroxide opens the pores in your tooth enamel to lift stains from within. The trade-off is that the bleaching also removes moisture from your teeth, temporarily dehydrating them. 

Fortunately, this condition truly is temporary, and your teeth will naturally rehydrate over time. In fact, your body is equipped for this. Saliva does a great job of rehydrating your teeth as well as protecting them from damage or bacteria. However, you can take some steps to give your body a boost in the rehydration process.

1. Increase Your Water Intake

This is the advice you’d give tourists in Colorado, but it also applies to your oral health. The simplest and most direct way to help your body (and teeth) rehydrate is to drink more water. Upping your intake will also promote your overall health and well-being. A well-hydrated mouth is a defense against food particles getting stuck or bacteria setting up shop. 

2. Avoid Dehydrating Drinks

For at least 48 hours post-teeth whitening, our Highlands Ranch dentist recommends not drinking anything that can further dehydrate your teeth. That means coffee, tea, alcohol, and soda are off-limits. 

Hydration isn’t the only concern. These beverages can stain your freshly whitened teeth, doubling the reasons to steer clear temporarily. 

3. Rinse with a Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride is one of the hardest workers in dental care, including in cosmetic dentistry. Fluoride rinses help remineralize teeth and promote rehydration. As a bonus, fluoride mouthwash can help reduce the tooth sensitivity that sometimes happens after whitening, as well as keep your teeth white for longer. Like we said, fluoride is hardworking, so put it to work!

4. Be Gentle and Patient

Teeth whitening is something you pamper yourself with, so continue the pampering after you leave our office. Don’t brush too aggressively with a hard-bristled toothbrush. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions. 

By the same token, give yourself some grace and patience. Although our professional, in-office teeth whitening is quick and safe for your teeth and gums, it’s still a dental procedure. Experiencing some tooth dehydration is normal, and you’ll bounce back fast. Just do what you can to help your body do its job. 

Highlands Ranch Teeth Whitening to Last

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll promote both the rehydration of your teeth and the longevity of your whitening. On top of these steps, our Highlands Ranch teeth whitening dentist provides you with personalized advice following the procedure. That way, we ensure that your smile remains healthy and bright. The result is a brilliant and durable update to your aesthetic. Contact Restore Dental to set up a professional teeth whitening appointment.