Getting your teeth professionally whitened is one of the most noticeable and fastest ways to refresh your smile, but you aren’t entirely in the clear once you leave the dentist’s office. In the 48 to 72 hours following your teeth whitening treatment, your teeth are actually significantly more vulnerable to staining. This means that what you eat and drink during this window can make or break your results! Here’s a brief guide on what to avoid and a few tooth-friendly alternatives to reach for instead.
Foods & Drinks to Avoid After Teeth Whitening
Coffee & Tea
Coffee and tea are widely popular, but both are big offenders when it comes to staining teeth. If you absolutely need your morning cup of coffee or don’t want to skip afternoon tea time, consider using a straw to minimize direct contact with your teeth.
Red Wine
Red wine is deeply pigmented and rich in tannins, which are stain-causing particles. However, this doesn’t mean you should opt for white wine instead, as it’s still highly acidic and can weaken your enamel.
Dark Sodas & Sports Drinks
Sodas, including Coke, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi, as well as grape soda and many brightly colored sports drinks, are acidic and heavily dyed, which is a particularly bad combination right after whitening.
Berries & Dark Fruits
Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and similar fruits are loaded with natural pigments that stain easily. Fruit juice made from these is equally problematic.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Marinara, tomato soup, salsa, and even ketchup are all highly acidic and deeply pigmented, and even an incredibly small amount can leave an unsightly stain on your teeth following your whitening treatment.
Keep Your Smile White & Bright with These Foods & Drinks
Milk, Yogurt, & Low-Fat Cheese
Dairy products are a safe choice after teeth whitening treatment because many of them are the same shade as your teeth! Plus, they often contain calcium, which directly supports your enamel.
Bananas
Bananas are healthy for several reasons, including potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. They also happen to be light in color, not highly acidic, and easy to bite and chew.
Rice, Pasta, & Bread
Plain starches are usually safe options for teeth post-whitening, as long as you’re careful not to have them with stain-causing sauces or dressings.
Water
Water is always going to be the best beverage for your oral health, whether you’ve had your teeth whitened or not. It keeps you hydrated, prevents dry mouth, rinses away food debris, and has no color or pigments that can cause staining.
The bottom line is, a little awareness in the days following your whitening treatment can go a long way toward keeping your smile bright for months to come!
About the Practice
Our team here at University Dental Group has served patients in Worcester and the nearby communities for several years. We proudly offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, such as teeth whitening, to help patients achieve smiles they love showing off. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re interested in scheduling a cosmetic consultation, just reach out online or call us today for more information. Telephone: (508) 753-1911.