Things to Avoid Doing After Teeth Whitening

Things to Avoid Doing After Teeth Whitening

January 11, 2023

Having yellowed, discolored, or stained teeth can remove the sparkle of your smile and damage your self-confidence. Teeth whitening is a great and cost-effective way to obtain a brighter smile and better self-confidence.

While very effective and safe, teeth whitening results aren’t permanent. Excellent oral hygiene and habits are necessary to keep your pearly whites healthy, bright, and beautiful. In this article, let’s look at what you should eat and avoid after teeth whitening in Citrus Heights.

What to eat and drink after teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is an investment that you should protect. It’s crucial to avoid certain foods and beverages that can stain your teeth again, causing the need for another treatment. Protecting your smile also prevents the need for regular teeth whitening treatments that could weaken your enamel.

Immediately after teeth whitening, your dentist will recommend a white diet for the next 48 hours. Why is it important? During teeth whitening, the dentist applies bleaching agents to the tooth. These agents open the tooth’s pores to deactivate the stains and whiten the teeth. After the treatment, the pores take a while to close, making it easier for new stains to get absorbed into the teeth, causing new discoloration.

That said, you should limit the number of staining dyes or pigments absorbed into your tooth until the tooth’s pores close completely. Teeth whitening can also leave the tooth sensitive. Therefore, it’s important to limit foods that can irritate or worsen your discomfort.

Foods to eat and drink after teeth whitening

  • White meat

White meat like fish, tofu, and chicken is healthy, nutritious, and great for keeping your teeth white after teeth whitening. When preparing these items, avoid any vibrant sauces and seasonings. Stick to white sauces.

  • Rice, pasta, and bread

White grains are healthy, nitrous, and safe after teeth whitening. Avoid bread and pasta with colored ingredients like food coloring and molasses. While they might be slight, you can transfer them to your teeth.

  • Dairy products

Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are white and contain essential nutrients for your teeth and gums. Only go for white dairy products and avoid those that are artificially colored or sweetened.

  • Light-colored fruits and vegetables

Lightly pigmented vegetables and fruits like pears, apples, bananas, potatoes, mushrooms, and cauliflower are healthy and safe after teeth whitening.

  • Water

It’s great to hydrate well after teeth whitening. It helps wash away acids, debris, and bacteria from the mouth, keeping your mouth clean and disease-free. Water has zero risks of staining or eroding your teeth. It’s, therefore, the best drink after teeth whitening.

Foods to avoid after teeth whitening

Now that you know what foods you can eat after teeth whitening, below is a list of foods you should avoid, especially within 48 hours after teeth whitening:

  • Dark-colored foods. Since whitening opens up your teeth’ pores, dark-colored foods will transfer these ingredients to your teeth. If anything can stain a white piece of cloth, it can also stain your teeth. Examples of highly colored food items to avoid include:
  • Soy and tomato sauces
  • Carrots
  • Strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries
  • Chili
  • Red meat
  • Spinach and kales
  • Popsicles
  • Dark marinades
  • Dark chocolates
  • Brightly-colored chewing gum
  • Dark candy
  • Cheez doodles
  • Coffee, tea, and red wine
  • Soda
  • Colored fruit juices

Avoid acidic foods and beverages

Since teeth whitening exposes dentin, acidic food items can irritate or increase tooth and gum sensitivity. They can also erode your teeth further, making them vulnerable to decay and fractures. Common acidic foods to avoid include:

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Citrus fruits like lemon
  • Soda
  • Vitamin water
  • Most sports drinks

Other ways to maintain whiter teeth

  • Avoid tobacco products.
  • Brush and floss daily. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and colored toothpaste or mouthwash.
  • Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
  • Take tooth-healthy foods and beverages.

Request an appointment to get white teeth at Sacramento Natural Dentistry

Are you ready to transform your smile with teeth whitening in Citrus Heights? Contact our dentist near you for more information.

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