How to Rehydrate Your Teeth After Whitening: Tips and Tricks
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Though tooth whitening is considered relatively safe, your freshly updated pearly whites might combat dehydration that causes sensitivity and discomfort. If you think this is a high price for a whitening procedure, there’s nothing irredeemable here. We’ll explain the key symptoms of dehydration, how to rehydrate teeth after whitening, and how to prevent the risks of tooth sensitivity and irritation. Enjoy the striking results of a whitening session without your teeth feeling dry like the Sahara desert!
What Is Teeth Dehydration?
Tooth dehydration is a shortage of moisture (saliva) in the oral cavity. A tooth lacks sufficient water content, making the enamel brittle and weakened. This promotes tooth sensitivity, irritation, and discomfort. A dehydrated tooth becomes vulnerable to damage: its natural shield, enamel, wears off and doesn’t perform its protective function to its best.
Dehydration vs. Decalcification
Understanding the difference between dehydration and decalcification is necessary to treat the side effects of whitening procedures and improve your oral health:
- Dehydration. Often happens after teeth whitening: a penetrative agent discloses tooth pores, raising its internal temperature and diminishing the amount of moisture. Luckily, dehydration can be prevented, and its unfavorable outcomes such as tooth sensitivity and uncomfortable sensations can be fixed.
- Decalcification. Occurs due to a lack of essential minerals in the oral cavity, caused by bacteria and acids. Excessive plaque buildup, traditional braces, a non-balanced diet, poor dental hygiene, and rare dental visits can lead to tooth decalcification and subsequent decay and cavities.
Why Whitening Dehydrates Teeth
A common teeth whitening procedure implies using a special gel that contains strong bleaching agents, making it work so effectively. The substance penetrates the tooth surface and removes top stains underneath the protective layer covering the tooth. Tooth pores become exposed to environmental impact and dehydration.
7 Symptoms of Dehydration Teeth
Timely noticing the signs of tooth dehydration can help you avoid more serious dental issues. What do dehydrated teeth look like? Discover some typical symptoms.
Swollen Gums
If harsh chemicals contact your teeth for too long during a whitening procedure, your gums might start to “burn.” Bleaching agents can irritate the gums, making them look red or purple. Your dentist can apply a protective layer (wax or petroleum jelly) to shield the gum line before a whitening session.
Dry Lips
The bleaching agents can dry out your lips and tongue during tooth whitening, especially if you do it at home with a whitening kit. Use a hydrating lip balm before a whitening treatment to prevent this.
Sticky Tongue
Teeth whitening can also affect your tongue, making it stick to the roof of your mouth. Drink plenty of water to minimize the unpleasant sensations. You can also use a soothing gel to keep the tongue hydrated after a whitening session.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is the most widespread side effect after a whitening treatment. The dehydrated enamel becomes thinned and weakened, making teeth susceptible to hot, cold, acidic, and sweet substances.
White Spots
White spots can appear on teeth because of a loss of calcium in the tooth enamel. They look like unappealing discolored patches caused by plaque buildup, fluoride excess, or too much sugar in the diet. Teeth whitening does not cause these white spots but can make them more visible.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be another sign of dehydration after you whiten your teeth. This might happen when you floss the same day you undergo the treatment. The reason is that dehydrated gums become more fragile when you floss. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or using an alcohol-free mouthwash can help rehydrate your gums and minimize discomfort.
Bad Breath
Since teeth have a porous nature, they can absorb bacteria and food particles, especially after a whitening procedure. This can result in an unpleasant odor coming from your mouth. As a means of prevention, drink plenty of water throughout the day. This is a perfect solution on how to fix dehydrated teeth as water will effectively wash the bacteria away.
Steps for Rehydrating Teeth After Whitening
To eliminate the harmful impact of dehydration on your teeth and restore their natural health, you can follow our simple step-by-step guide on how to hydrate teeth.
Immediate Step: Promote your saliva flow
Implement the following measures in your everyday lifestyle the moment you understand your teeth suffer from dehydration.
Saliva naturally keeps the mouth wet regardless of whether you sleep or are awake. Here are several tips to instantly stimulate your saliva:
- Chew sugar-free gum.
- If you are prone to breathing through your mouth, breathe through your nose.
- Give up smoking.
- Drink plenty of water during the day.
These plain tips will largely benefit your mouth condition, promoting natural teeth rehydration.
Dietary Tips to Support Rehydration: Abide in a Clear Liquid Diet
Adjusting your diet properly is crucial after you get a teeth whitening treatment. It will ensure your pearly whites remain stain-free until their pores close.
Turning to a clear liquid diet for several days after a whitening procedure can help promote teeth rehydration. However, this demands certain willpower, determination, and commitment: your daily menu has to include only clear foods and fluids at room temperature.
- Avoid red wine and other dark-colored liquids.
- Say “farewell” to sugary, crunchy, and acidic foods such as hard candies, chips, and the like.
- Give preference to white and beige vegetables such as cauliflower and sweet potatoes.
- Limit your caffeine consumption.
Using Rehydrating Products and Remineralizing Agents
Rehydrating and remineralizing products such as specially designed gels or mouthwashes can help replenish the minerals in your teeth and prevent them from further staining or yellowing.
Use a fluoride mouthwash or gel
Fluoride is an essential mineral that helps strengthen your teeth, restore their moisture level, and enhance the natural pH balance of your oral cavity. Using a specialized fluoride mouthwash or gel can also help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Select a Proper Toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste is crucial for post-whitening care. Opt for toothpastes that contain fluoride: this mineral is effective at strengthening the tooth enamel and inhibiting the progression of tooth decay. Stay away from abrasive toothpaste that can dehydrate your teeth even more.
How to Prevent Dehydration After Teeth Whitening Sessions
Drinking enough water, sticking to a clear-liquid diet, healthy lifestyle choices, and using remineralizing agents are actionable methods to prevent tooth dehydration. However, expert guidance is an essential part of post-whitening care.
Regular dental appointments enable a doctor to monitor your teeth and gums’ well-being after whitening sessions. A dentist in Forest Hills can provide helpful advice on your oral hygiene routine and eliminate the side effects of whitening treatments.
Enjoy Your White, Healthy, and Hydrated Teeth
Teeth whitening can lighten your current tooth color by several shades, but this cosmetic treatment might also bear certain implications for your oral health. A qualified dental professional can minimize the risks by taking actionable measures on how to hydrate your teeth.
The aforementioned steps can help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Adhering to proper precautions, following the oral care guidelines, staying away from certain foods and drinks, and visiting your dentist regularly can keep your teeth healthy and bright.
Dehydrated Teeth After Whitening: Most Common Questions
Striving to keep your mouth moist, you might have some residual questions about how to rehydrate your teeth effectively. Find expert answers to the most common patients’ queries below.
How long does it take for teeth to rehydrate after whitening?
It typically takes from several days to a week for tooth enamel to rehydrate after a whitening treatment. To accelerate this process, you should properly care for your teeth, drink plenty of water, and avoid acidic and sugary foods and beverages. Address your dentist if you have tooth sensitivity and use a fluoride mouthwash to help restore essential minerals in your teeth.
Is tooth dehydration harmful?
Tooth dehydration can cause many unwanted effects, including gum sensitivity, dry mouth, and bad breath. Teeth risk becoming brittle and prone to cavities. Since saliva production is low, bacteria and plaque can accumulate in the oral cavity, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Besides, dehydrated teeth lose their natural ability to self-repair. Therefore, dehydration impacts the entire ecosystem inside your mouth.
Are there foods or drinks I should avoid while my teeth rehydrate?
Yes, it’s better to avoid certain foods and drinks to prevent further enamel erosion. Give up acidic and sugary foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, sugary treats, and sodas for efficient tooth rehydration. To prolong the whitening effect, avoid dark-colored beverages (coffee, red wine, and tea) and dark juices (tomato, cranberry, and grape juices).
Additional Resources
- A recent study has shown striking results on how dehydration impacts tooth color and perception of whiteness. Read on to find out the details and examine photographs of the teeth before and after dehydration.
- Consider the overview of beneficial toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to choose one that will help your teeth retain their moisture level.
