Teeth Whitening

The Power of a White Smile

A bright, white smile doesn’t just enhance your appearance it boosts self-confidence too. Well-groomed, white teeth can positively influence both personal and professional relationships, as many people see them as a sign of health and good grooming. Beyond aesthetics, whiter teeth often reflect good oral hygiene and healthy daily habits another reason patients choose professional teeth whitening to refresh their smile.

What causes tooth discolouration?

Discolouration is natural and increases with age. It’s worsened by smoking and colourful food and drinks such as coffee, red wine, tea, beetroot. Previous dental work (e.g., root-canal-treated teeth, old fillings, crowns) can also darken or yellow over time. Genetics and daily plaque/tartar build-up influence your baseline shade, so not everyone’s teeth are “paper white” even when healthy.

How in-office whitening works

1. Dental consultation & exam to check tooth and restoration status. Note that fillings, veneers, crowns and other prosthetics do not whiten, so aesthetic upgrades may be suggested instead.
2. Professional hygiene (tartar removal/scaling) must be completed before whitening; we then allow gums to heal.
3. Shade recording with a shade guide before treatment; expect further slight lightening over the next few days.
4. Gum protection, gel application and light activation. Sessions can be repeated if clinically indicated. 

Aftercare: what to do post-whitening

Do:

• Avoid colourful foods/drinks for 48 hours (coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, curries, sauces).
• Use a sensitivity-relief toothpaste if needed.
• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen enamel and help prevent new staining.

Avoid:

• Smoking, especially in the first days after treatment.
• Acidic foods/drinks (e.g., citrus juices) and abrasive toothpastes.
• Rapid switches between hot and cold drinks if teeth feel sensitive. 

Keep your smile white: prevention tips

• Brush twice daily, floss and use mouthwash to reduce plaque.
• Moderate highly pigmented foods and rinse with water after meals.
• Eat crisp fruits and vegetables (e.g., apple, carrot, celery).
• Quit smoking for long-term colour and health benefits.
• Attend regular check-ups and professional cleanings.

Preventing Tooth Discoloration: Tips for Long-Lasting Whiteness

While professional teeth whitening can lift existing stains, the best results come from daily habits that prevent new discoloration.

Everyday tips to keep teeth white

• Brush & floss consistently. Brush twice daily with the right technique, floss every day, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash. This removes plaque, a major cause of staining.
• Be mindful of staining foods & drinks. You don’t have to give them up—just enjoy in moderation and rinse with water right after coffee, tea, red wine, cola, curries, beetroot, berries, etc.
• Crunchy fruit & veg. Apples, carrots, celery gently help disrupt plaque and keep teeth cleaner between brushings.
• Quit smoking. Nicotine and tar are potent stainers and also contribute to bad breath. The single best stain-prevention step is not smoking.
• See your dentist regularly.
• Check-ups and professional cleanings remove tartar and deep stains that home care can’t.

When Teeth Whitening Is Not Recommended (Contraindications)

Whitening is effective for many people, but there are situations where it’s unsafe or unsuitable:

• Decayed or inflamed teeth. Active tooth decay or pulp/nerve inflammation must be treated first; whitening gels won’t work properly and may irritate the tooth.
• Gingivitis or oral infection. Healthy gums are a must. Treat any gum disease or mouth infection before whitening to avoid further irritation.
• Defective/poorly fitting fillings. If a filling doesn’t seal well, gel can seep under it, leading to uneven results and potential irritation. Repair the restoration first.
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding. Cosmetic procedures that involve chemicals are not advised; postpone whitening until after this period.
• Developmental enamel defects. Where enamel is incomplete or structurally compromised, whitening may not act evenly across the tooth surface.

DIY Teeth Whitening: What Not to Do at Home

Some home “hacks” can damage enamel or irritate gums:

• Baking soda. Abrasive powders can scratch enamel and make teeth more prone to staining over time.
• Lemon juice or other acids. Acids erode enamel, even if they briefly lighten stains.
• Unsupervised hydrogen peroxide. Medical-grade peroxides require professional oversight. Overuse can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does teeth whitening hurt?
Most patients feel no pain. Temporary sensitivity can occur during or after treatment and usually settles within a few days.

How many appointments do I need for in-office whitening?
Typically one visit of about 1–2 hours delivers visible, even results.

How long do results last?
Usually 1–2 years, depending on diet, home care and smoking. Maintenance cleanings and mindful habits extend results.

Book an Appointment

Before whitening, we always perform a personal consultation to assess tooth and gum health and confirm whitening is the right, safe option for you (e.g., no decay, inflammation, or leaky fillings that could compromise results).
Book your visit today and enjoy a bright, confident smile as soon as possible.