Most people who get their teeth whitened are thrilled with the results. However, as with any kind of treatment, there are some precautions that should be taken. So if you're about to undergo tooth whitening, read on!
Did you know that teeth whitening products can cause your teeth to become dehydrated? Fortunately, there are steps you can take to rehydrate your teeth after whitening.
In this article, we will discuss why you need to rehydrate and some recommended solutions.
Keep reading to learn more. But, first things first...
How do teeth get dehydrated?
Having now confirmed that dehydrated teeth is an actual thing, let's look at how it happens.
Teeth can become dehydrated for many reasons; they may become dehydrated due to age, medications, or certain medical conditions.
Additionally, dehydration may occur after undergoing a tooth whitening; the natural porosity of our teeth which allows them to be whitened is also what allows moisture loss thus causing tooth dehydration.
Dehydration of the teeth can also be tied to overall body dehydration with a number of associated negative effects on your mouth and teeth. When you are dehydrated, your mouth becomes dry and saliva production decreases, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Sensitivity to temperature changes and acidic foods can also happen. Keeping your teeth hydrated, thankfully, can be prevented or easily resolved.
We hope you find your next 'bestest' thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors and opinions in this article are our own compilation. By the way - while doing our reviewing and filtering thing, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to purchase something (that's how we stay in business). Enjoy finding your next 'bestest' thing!
How We Choose The Best After Whitening Teeth Rehydration
Tooth whitening can improve your smile, but post whitening care is needed to ensure optimum hydration. Neglecting this can lead to problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
With this goal in mind, we have read and filtered the reviews for the best products for you for post-whitening care. Below are our findings of the best recommendations given by dental professionals for for you to keep your teeth healthy and hydrated.
- Ensuring your mouth stays moist. Your tooth enamel can then restore and resurface itself using the minerals from your saliva. Keeping the mouth spit filled is said to speed up the rejuvenation process.
- In addition, smoking should be avoided, too much caffeine, highly acidic foods and rigorous exercise - anything that will cause a reduction of moisture in the mouth.
- Fluoride-rich toothpastes and mouthwashes are helpful in strengthening the tooth enamel and fighting bacteria .
Once teeth have been rehydrated, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent future tooth dehydration. The rehydration process lasts about 2 to 7 days, therefore the first 48 hours after whitening require a bit of extra care including oral care products and foods eaten.
Check out the following products for use during the rehydration period.
Colgate Pro-Argin Toothpaste
Why It Rocks!
Looking for a toothpaste that can help with sensitivity? Colgate’s Pro-Argin Toothpaste is perfect for those who want to take care of their teeth after a whitening treatment. As you know, some whitening processes have the side effect of increased tooth sensitivity. Using this product is recommended by hundreds of reviewers!
What You Should Know
This toothpaste uses a special formula that contains arginine, an amino acid that helps to soothe and protect the teeth. It is also fluoride-free, making it safe for those who are concerned about this ingredient.
Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste
Why It Rocks!
Looking for a toothpaste that can help repair your enamel during a teeth rehydration process? Sensodyne Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste may be just what you need! Made with an exclusive blend of ingredients, this toothpaste is designed to help rehydrate your teeth and repair your enamel while you brush. Thousands of reviewers back this product with a 4.5 star rating!
What You Should Know
This Intensive Enamel Repair Toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. It comes in Extra Fresh and Mint flavors that leaves your mouth feeling refreshed and clean. It is also safe for daily use and is gentle on your teeth and gums.
If you're looking for a toothpaste that can help repair your enamel, this toothpaste is a great option to consider!
Jason Simply Coconut Strengthening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Best for Natural Ingredients
Jason Simply Coconut Strengthening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Why It Rocks!
Looking for a toothpaste that's gentle on your teeth and gums, but still effective for everyday use? Jason Simply Coconut Strengthening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste deserves a look. Formulated with natural ingredients, this toothpaste is gentle yet effective. Plus, it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Trust it's 4.4 star rating and experience the clean and fresh feeling reviewers love!
What You Should Know
The product is flouride-free and claims to use 100% vegetarian ingredients so you can feel good about using it every day. Contents include coconut oil, calcium, magnesium and peppermint oil.
Teeth Dehydration & Rehydration FAQs
Are you considering a whitening process and having some concerns?
Typically there are two main concerns:
- How to protect teeth from becoming dehydrated; and
- How to rehydrate teeth if they become dehydrated.
Many people worry that teeth may become dehydrated after undergoing a whitening treatment. These are legitimate concerns and of course, there are several ways to address them.
We have done the research, read the reviews and compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help to allay your concerns.
How do you know if your teeth are dehydrated?
Your teeth can become dehydrated for a number of reasons, including teeth whitening, too much soda or acidic fruit juice, and too little water. Signs of teeth dehydration include sensitivity to hot and cold foods and and a dry feeling in your mouth.
What happens to teeth when dehydrated?
Because there is not enough saliva to wash away any bacteria build up, it will result in bad breath and possible tooth decay.
How does dehydration affect your gums?
Your mouth can become very dry from tooth dehydration which reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth, and limits it’s ability to remove plaque and bacteria. With plaque and bacteria buildup, you risk tooth decay and gum disease. Consuming lots of water can help your gums stay hydrated and rehydrate teeth in the process.
Other than drinking water, what are some ways of preventing dry mouth?
- Avoid excessive caffeine
- Chew sugar free gum
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Consuming foods and drinks with natural liquids
How do you rehydrate teeth after whitening?
The following recommendations contribute to addressing this issue:
- For the first 2 days, a clear diet is essential to rehydrate teeth and maintain their stain-free status until the pores close. Be sure to avoid extremely hot or cold foods, red wine, smoking, coffee, and other dark-colored foods and liquids. Instead, target foods of light shades like turkey, chicken, white fish, eggs, white cheeses, and yogurt; white rice, pasta, or potatoes with no skin; pears, bananas, green grapes, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
- Using a toothpaste with no whitening properties for the first 48 hours after whitening helps with the transition. If you have sensitive teeth and had your teeth professionally whitened, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments. This restores minerals to the tooth’s surface while preventing stains and prolonged tooth sensitivity.
- Drink lots of water. Because your teeth are a part of your body, they benefit from your body's overall hydration. A primary way to ensure that your teeth remain hydrated is to drink enough water throughout the day. Most health professionals recommend 8 to 9 glasses of water a day.
So there you have it! We have done the research and filtered for you so all that's left to do is choose.
Hopefully, this has been helpful and we look forward to see you again soon.
