What Foods Can We Eat After The Teeth Whitening Procedure?
Professional teeth whitening can give you a brighter smile in less than two hours. You want to enjoy your results. Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. If you’re not careful, you can re-stain your teeth.
Your teeth are very porous for a few hours after the whitening treatment, making them vulnerable to staining and damage. That said, it’s highly essential to make good choices about your diet after a whitening treatment, especially in the first 72 hours. That way, you’ll be able to maintain your newly whitened smile for longer.
One aftercare instruction your dentist will give you is to avoid consuming anything that can stain a white piece of towel or cloth. Often, dentists recommend a white diet for the next three days following a whitening treatment.
Contact our Ohio dentist for professional teeth whitening near you.
Why the White Diet?
Three main factors contribute to teeth stains – chromogens, tannins, and acids. Unfortunately, these ingredients are in many common foods that we eat daily. Due to the whitening agents, your teeth tend to be more porous, and the dentin becomes temporarily exposed.
Dark-colored and acidic foods are therefore easily absorbed into the teeth, which can cause discoloration. Having a white diet after a whitening treatment will limit the exposure to staining ingredients and preserve your bright smile for longer.
The exposed dentin also tends to be more sensitive. Taking acidic items like apple cider vinegar and citrus drinks can cause irritation and sensitivity to your teeth and gums. Fortunately, this effect goes away in a few days.
Foods and Drinks to Have After Teeth Whitening
Now that you know how your teeth behave after a whitening treatment, here is a list of white-diet and low acidic foods you can eat to maintain your newly whitened teeth:
- Fish, Tofu, Chicken
After a whitening treatment, you better go for white meat products like fish, chicken, and tofu if you’re craving meat. Besides helping you maintain a beautiful smile, these foods are very healthy and nutritious. Avoid any pigmented seasonings or sauces like tomato sauce and black pepper.
- Bread, Rice, and Pasta
These are perfect food options to have for lunch or dinner. However, be sure to read the labels well, as certain brands of bread and pasta contain food coloring or other ingredients to give them an artificially darker appearance.
- Fruits and Vegetables
There are numerous healthy fruits and vegetables that you can include in your white diet. These include pears, apples, bananas, potatoes, mushrooms, and cauliflower. These items are good for your teeth and beneficial for your overall well-being.
- White Cheese and Yogurt
Plain yogurt and white cheese are healthy food choices for a white diet. Be sure to avoid artificially colored, sugary, and flavored items.
- Clear Water
Clear water is the best beverage you can have after teeth whitening. Remember, good hydration is essential to keep your mouth fresh and healthy.
- Egg White
While you can eat eggs after teeth whitening, remove the yoke first as it’s colored.
Foods to Avoid After a Whitening Treatment
No matter how tempting it might be, completely stay away from the following foods after a whitening treatment:
- Black tea and coffee
- Chocolates
- Red pistachios
- Caramels
- Red and white wines
- Soy and tomato sauces
- Berries
- Colored spices like curry, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, and black pepper
- Beer, particularly dark-colored ones
- Sugary items
Other Ways to Maintain a Bright Smile After Whitening
- Brush and floss daily. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth.
- Avoid tobacco products. Smoking after a whitening treatment can cause deep stains, which can be hard to remove. Even long after the treatment, quitting smoking help maintain bright and healthy teeth. It’s also good for your oral and overall health.
- Regular oral checkups and cleanings. Experts recommend at least two dental checkups and cleanings per year. They will help keep your mouth healthy and beautiful.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you looking for professional teeth whitening procedures? Contact daily DENTAL & bracesbar to book an appointment with our dentist in Dublin.