Teeth whitening is a popular way to achieve a brighter smile. However, keeping that white look requires aftercare. This is especially true for your diet. Immediately after whitening, your teeth are more porous and susceptible to staining. Here, we’ll cover what not to eat after teeth whitening to ensure your smile stays bright and beautiful.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching agents. They, like hydrogen peroxide, remove stains and lighten teeth. This process can make your teeth porous. This increases their vulnerability to staining. This is why it’s crucial to avoid certain foods and beverages that can cause discolouration.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
1. Coffee and Tea
Both coffee and tea contain tannins, which can cause significant staining. These beverages are notorious for their ability to darken teeth. If you must have your morning coffee or tea, drink it through a straw. This will limit tooth contact. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
2. Red and White Wine
Red wine is a well-known culprit for staining teeth due to its dark colour and high acidity. Surprisingly, white wine can also pose a risk because its acidity can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining from other foods and drinks.
3. Dark-Coloured Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have deep pigments, like blueberries, blackberries, cherries, beets, and carrots. They can stain your freshly whitened teeth. It’s best to avoid these for at least 48 hours post-whitening.
4. Sugary Treats
Sweets, chocolates, and cakes are high in refined sugars. They can lead to tooth decay and staining. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar. They make acids that can weaken enamel and make stains set in.
5. Fizzy Drinks
Soft drinks, especially dark-coloured ones, are packed with sugars and acids that can erode enamel and stain your teeth. Even lighter-coloured sodas should be avoided due to their high sugar content.
6. Citrus Fruits and Juices
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, are very acidic. They can erode your enamel. This erosion makes your teeth more vulnerable to staining. It is caused by other foods and drinks.
7. Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomatoes are acidic and brightly coloured, making them a double threat for your whitened teeth. Avoid tomato sauces, ketchup, and similar products to prevent stains.
8. Dark-Coloured Sauces and Condiments
Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and other dark sauces can stain teeth. Their rich pigments and acidity make them particularly harmful right after a whitening treatment.
9. Foods with Artificial Dyes
Any food or drink that contains artificial colouring should be avoided. This includes sports drinks, popsicles, and coloured candies. These dyes can easily stain your teeth, especially when they are more porous.
10. Tobacco Products
Smoking or chewing tobacco is highly detrimental to your oral health and can cause severe staining. Avoid using tobacco products to maintain your bright smile.
What You Can Eat
After a teeth whitening treatment, it’s best to stick to what is often referred to as a “white diet.” This includes foods and drinks that are light in colour and less likely to cause staining.
1. Poultry and Fish
Chicken, turkey, and white fish are excellent protein choices. They are light in colour and free from staining pigments.
2. Rice, Pasta, and Bread
Plain rice, pasta, and bread are safe options. However, avoid adding sauces that could stain your teeth.
3. Dairy Products
White cheeses, milk, and yoghurt are good choices. They not only avoid staining but can also help strengthen your teeth with calcium.
4. Potatoes and Cauliflower
These vegetables are light in colour and unlikely to cause stains. Mashed potatoes and steamed cauliflower are excellent post-whitening meal options.
5. Bananas and Apples
Bananas and peeled apples are safe fruits to consume. They are light in colour and free from strong acids.
6. Water
Water is the best beverage to drink after teeth whitening. It helps rinse away any food particles and keeps you hydrated without any risk of staining.
Long-term Tips
It’s crucial to follow the white diet for the first 48 hours. But, keeping a good oral hygiene routine is key to keeping your teeth white long term. Brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings. Drink plenty of water and consider using a straw for any staining beverages you can’t avoid.
Conclusion
You need to adjust your diet to keep your newly whitened teeth white. But, the results are well worth it. By avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, you can enjoy a bright, white smile for longer. Remember to follow the “white diet” for at least 48 hours after your treatment. Also, keep up good oral hygiene habits.
Keep Your Smile Bright with Cove Dental and Implant Centre
At Cove Dental and Implant Centre, we are dedicated to helping you get and keep a radiant smile. Our teeth whitening services provide stunning results. We also offer expert advice on care after whitening. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call us today. Let us help you keep your smile bright and beautiful!
