Teeth whitening is a popular and effective cosmetic dental treatment. It is a cost-effective way to dramatically improve your smile. Discoloration and staining can occur for a variety of reasons. The natural aging process, poor diet, an unhealthy daily oral care routine, and smoking can all impact your smile. This can result in you smiling and talking to others less. However, white teeth can improve your confidence and result in personal and professional benefits. You may wonder how to keep your teeth white after a professional whitening treatment. Below you will find what to eat after teeth whitening: brighter teeth diet guide.
What to eat after teeth whitening: brighter teeth diet guide
Teeth whitening offers a number of benefits. However, it’s important to care for your oral health after treatment to ensure your results last. Below you will find helpful tips on what foods and drinks to avoid after a whitening treatment.
Wine:
Most people think that you only need to avoid red wine after teeth whitening. However, both red and white wine can be harmful to the enamel of your teeth. The enamel of your teeth is the outermost layer. It is very strong and durable but it can be broken down by certain ingredients. Red wine is highly acidic and can stain your teeth. The acidic nature of red wine can break down your enamel. This makes it more susceptible to stains and overall discoloration. White wine is similar as it negatively impacts your enamel. Avoid wine after you have gotten your teeth whitened for maximum results.
Coffee and Tea:
Caffeine is something many people require in the morning. However, both coffee and tea can impact your professional teeth whitening results. Both contain tannins that can darken your teeth over time. You should avoid it entirely the first few days after your whitening treatment. If you can’t stop drinking coffee and tea entirely, reduce your consumption of it. Use a straw and rinse your mouth out with water as soon as you are done. It’s also beneficial to brush your teeth 30 minutes after you consume coffee or tea.
Soft Drinks:
Carbonated drinks are highly acidic and contain a lot of sugar. These are both harmful to your teeth and can impact your whitening results. Many patients assume they only need to avoid dark carbonated beverages. However, avoid carbonated beverages in general if you want to preserve your whitening results.
Candy and Chocolate:
As with soft drinks, candy and chocolate are high in sugar and are processed. Processed sugars can lead to discoloration and tooth decay. Avoid these if you can or consume them in moderation.
Dark Fruits:
Certain fruits have pigments that can cause discoloration. Fruits like cherries, blackberries, blueberries, pomegranates, and raspberries are filled with dark juices. These can stain your teeth and impact your whitening results. You don’t need to completely cut out these fruits, but avoid them the first few days after treatment. When you do consume them, rinse right after and brush 30 minutes later.
Preserving Your Whitening Results
Making sure your whitening results last is beneficial. There are a number of foods that aren’t off limits that can ensure the longevity of your results. Things like fish, chicken, tofu, rice, bread, pasta, white cheese, yogurt, fruits and vegetables, and water are beneficial. In addition to what you should and should not eat, there are certain lifestyle factors that can impact your results. It’s important to stop smoking and using tobacco products. You should also have a consistent daily oral care routine and regularly visit the dentist. If you are interested in teeth whitening, contact us today to schedule an appointment!
