We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. This website is currently being updated to enhance the usability and experience for persons with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call 603.890.4004 for Salem or 978.358.8576 for Newburyport and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

Artisan Dentistry's Blog

The Time Right After Your Tooth-Whitening Treatment Is Critical

Jul 23rd, 2026

Professional teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to brighten your smile. With proper care, the results can last for many months—and in some cases, even a year or longer. However, what you do immediately after your whitening treatment plays a major role in how long your results last.

During the whitening process, the bleaching agent temporarily makes the outer layer of your teeth more porous. As a result, it’s common to experience mild tooth sensitivity for a day or two after treatment.

Because your teeth are temporarily more susceptible to absorbing stains, the first 24 to 48 hours after whitening are especially important. During this time, it’s best to avoid foods and beverages that can discolor your teeth.

A simple rule to follow is this: if it can stain a white shirt, it can stain your teeth.

Some common foods and drinks to avoid include:

  • Coffee and tea
  • Red wine
  • Cola and sports drinks
  • Dark berries
  • Tomato sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Curry
  • Chocolate
  • Beets

Smoking or using other tobacco products can also stain your newly whitened teeth, so it’s best to avoid them during this period as well.

Instead, stick to a “white diet” for the first couple of days. Good choices include:

  • Chicken or turkey
  • White fish
  • Rice
  • Pasta with white sauce
  • Potatoes
  • Plain yogurt
  • Milk
  • White cheese
  • Bananas
  • Cauliflower

Although the first 24 to 48 hours require the greatest caution, limiting stain-causing foods and beverages whenever possible can help your whitening results last even longer. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular professional cleanings will also help keep your smile looking bright.

If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, contact our office to learn about your treatment options. We’ll help you achieve a brighter smile and provide personalized tips to keep your results looking their best.

Warranty

Our 5 Year Warranty

Anyone can train to be a technician, but few have the talent to become an artist. That’s why Dr. Mathew is able to guarantee his cosmetic dentistry work for a full 5 years. If anything goes wrong with the work, Dr. Mathew will fix it free of charge, as long as you continue with your regular 6 month preventative care cleaning and check up for the duration of the warranty.

Treatment Room

Individualized
Treatment Rooms

Our individualized treatment rooms and operatories provide patients with maximum privacy and comfort. The treatment rooms were built specifically with your comfort in mind.

Schedule Appointment (Paginated)

  • Fill out the form below.
Choose Location

Salem, NH

Call Now

Newburyport, MA

Call Now

Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

X

Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

X

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.