Post Op ZOOM Whitening Instructions

CONGRATULATIONS on completing the Zoom Whitening process!

Now that your teeth are significantly whiter, there are a few guidelines to help maintain the look of your new smile. The teeth have a protective laver called the protein pellicle. This layer contains the surface dental stains and is removed during Zoom treatments. It takes twelve to twenty four hours for the barrier to fully develop again. 

Also, during this period, we ask you to avoid certain staining foods and products. Here is a list of what you CAN and CAN NOT eat or drink after the procedure. You do not want eat any food with color (anything that would stain a white shirt) for 24-48 hours after the procedure. 

YOU CAN EAT

  • Drink: milk, water, clear soda
  • Fruits: bananas, apple (no peel)
  • White bread or flour tortillas
  • Plain yogurts, white cheese, sour cream
  • Cottage cheese, white rice, baked potato
  • Plain pasta and white sauce
  • Turkey or skinless breast

YOU CAN NOT EAT

  • Red wine, dark cola’s, coffee, tea
  • Grapes or any fruit with color
  • Mustard or Ketchup
  • Red sauces
  • Soy sauce or steak sauce
  • No smoking and No lipstick
  • Red meat (steak or hamburger)

You may experience some tooth sensitivity during this period. To prevent this, take 600mg of Ibuprofen (3 tabs of regular Advil or Motrin) every 4 hours for 24 hours. Also, we recommend that you brush your teeth with sensitive toothpaste such as Sensodyne for the next few weeks to help reduce the sensitivity. The teeth will get back to normal soon.

Please feel free to call us should you have any questions or concerns. 

Inspiration Dental (813) 638-0313

Zoom Teeth Whitening FAQs

What should I avoid eating or drinking after Zoom whitening?

Avoid anything that could stain a white shirt for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours after your Zoom whitening treatment. This includes red wine, tea, coffee, dark sodas, colored fruits like blueberries or grapes, mustard, red sauces, ketchup, soy sauce, and steak sauces. Red meats, especially burgers and steak, should also be avoided. Smoking and wearing lipstick are discouraged, as they can compromise your whitening results. Following treatment, these precautions protect your brightened smile during its most sensitive and porous state.

What foods and drinks are safe to consume after the procedure?

To preserve the effects of your treatment, stick to the “white diet.” Safe foods include white rice, milk, water, bananas, peeled apples, cauliflower, pasta with white sauce, plain yogurt, white cheese, skinless chicken, turkey, and plain bread or tortillas. Clear sodas, egg whites, and oatmeal are acceptable. These non-staining items help maintain the brightness of your smile while your teeth recover their protective layer. Avoid colored spices and sauces, as they can cause lasting stains.

Why is it important to follow these dietary guidelines post-whitening?

During Zoom whitening, a protective protein layer on your teeth—called the pellicle—is temporarily removed. This layer usually defends against staining and plaque buildup. Without it, teeth are vulnerable to discoloration from food dyes and dark-colored ingredients. It takes twelve to twenty-four hours for this layer to rebuild. Following these dietary guidelines ensures your results last longer and minimizes the risk of needing a touch-up too soon.

Is tooth sensitivity normal after Zoom whitening, and how can I manage it?

Yes, temporary sensitivity is normal after Zoom whitening. This occurs because the whitening gel opens the pores in your enamel, exposing the inner layer of your teeth. To manage discomfort, take 600mg of Ibuprofen (three Advil or Motrin) every four hours for the first twenty-four hours. Brushing with sensitivity-formulated toothpaste like Sensodyne can also help. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods for a few days. If symptoms persist for over a week, contact your dentist for further advice.

What should I do if I have concerns or questions after my whitening treatment?

If you experience prolonged discomfort or have questions about what is or isn’t safe post-treatment, contact Inspiration Dental. New patients can call (813) 638-0313. The dental team is always happy to provide clarification and aftercare support or schedule a follow-up if needed. You can also visit the website to review the Zoom Whitening instructions again or send an inquiry online.