What Not To Drink Or Eat After Getting Your Teeth Whitened?

Teeth whitening is an excellent way to improve the color of your teeth. It helps you get a whiter and brighter smile, which increases your self-esteem and confidence. 

Dentists give a comprehensive list of foods and drinks you can and cannot have after your treatment. This list is made after considering your body’s nutritional requirements and cravings.

Foods To Avoid After Teeth Whitening

Certain types of food and drinks are harmful to your tooth health. Not only do these change the teeth color, but they can cause decay too. The foods and drinks you should avoid after teeth whitening are:

Colored Beverages

Red wine has a high acid content and is likely to leave stains due to its dark pigment. Even though it’s lighter in color, white wine can also break down enamel. 

Coffee and tea contain tannins, which can accumulate and darken the color of your teeth over time. Tannins can stain them even faster when your teeth are at their most porous after professional whitening.

Limit your consumption for a week after your teeth whitening treatment. If you cannot go without these drinks, try to sip with a straw to avoid large quantities at once.

Dark Sauces

Condiments like soy sauce, fish sauce, balsamic vinegar, and ketchup may add taste to your food but harm your teeth’s color. 

Switch these for light-colored sauces like bechamel sauce, ranch dressing, and flavored yogurt to maintain the color of your teeth.

Acidic foods & Beverages

Carbonated beverages are high in sugar and acid, which can wear away tooth enamel. Dark-colored colas can also cause surface stains. Resisting soft drinks can help you have whiter, healthier teeth. 

Colored Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables like blueberries, beetroot, and carrots sometimes contain artificial colors to make them look appetizing.

You can eat colorless fruits and vegetables like potatoes, bananas, apples, and cauliflower to make sure your teeth do not get stained by your food.

Foods To Have After Teeth Whitening

There is a popular diet trending: The White Diet. It calls for White or pale food to ensure your teeth stay white after your treatment. The foods and drinks you can have after the teeth whitening procedure are:

Fish, Chicken, & Tofu 

Light-colored, lean proteins are ideal after teeth whitening and are generally healthy. Avoid using colorful seasonings or sauces with your protein for the time being.

Rice, Bread, & Pasta

Most grains are safe to have after your teeth whitening treatment. However, some bread and pasta list molasses or food coloring in the ingredients. These are frequently used to artificially darken pasta and bread, which can also stain your teeth.

White Cheese & Yogurt 

Cheese is good for your tooth health. Soft and fresh cheeses are safe to eat after your teeth whitening treatment. Plain yogurt and white cheese are great options for time. Avoid eating yogurts with added sugar and cheeses that are artificially colored.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Light-colored fruits and vegetables are a staple after any dental treatment.

Fruits (like pears, bananas, and apples) and vegetables (like cauliflower, potatoes, and mushrooms) are healthy and good for your teeth.

Water 

Water is the best drink for hydration and oral health. There is no risk of staining your teeth or wearing down your enamel. It should be your first choice of beverage after a teeth whitening procedure.

The Bottom Line

Colored foods and beverages should always be avoided or limited if you want to keep your teeth white and clean. You can have these foods in moderation if they fit your flavor preferences. Talk to your dentist about these factors before getting your teeth whitening treatment.