Professional teeth whitening treatments can be an excellent way to address mild to severe dental stains that do not respond to conventional oral hygiene methods. However, the process of bleaching the enamel will leave it more vulnerable to staining for a while after treatment, and some foods and beverages can cause frustrating discoloration during this period. Here’s a quick guide to a few foods and beverages to avoid after teeth whitening treatment as well as a few items that can help your teeth stay bright.
What Foods and Beverages Should I Avoid After Teeth Whitening?
A few items to abstain from after teeth whitening treatment include:
- Dark beverages: Coffee, tea, and red wine are full of pigments and tannins that can become embedded in your enamel, leading to yellowish or purplish discoloration.
- Acidic beverages: Juice, soda pop, and alcoholic beverages are heavy with acid that erodes your enamel on contact. Your teeth will be especially vulnerable to this effect for a few days after teeth whitening.
- Berries: Richly colored fruits such as blueberries and tomatoes can leave stains on the teeth.
- Sugary items: Candy and pastries will feed the harmful oral bacteria that can damage your enamel.
- Dark sauces: Soy, barbeque, and hot sauces can leave stubborn stains in your teeth and may be excessively acidic.
After your teeth have had some time to recover after teeth whitening, it’s okay to indulge in these items in moderation. However, it’s best to enjoy a tall glass of water when you do so to wash discoloring agents away from your teeth, and you should also take care to treat your smile to a thorough oral hygiene session at least thirty minutes afterward. When you enjoy any of the beverages listed here, please consider using a straw to limit how much contact the liquid makes with your teeth.
What Should I Eat and Drink While Recovering After Teeth Whitening?
Luckily, there are a few tasty items that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs without staining your enamel. These include:
- Bananas: Renowned as a superfood, these fruits are rich in a host of vitamins and minerals and are unlikely to leave stains in your enamel.
- White yogurt: This tasty dish can be a refreshing option that helps your digestion.
- White milk or milk substitutes: In addition to being nonacidic and low in discoloring agents, these beverages can provide your enamel with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay strong and healthy.
- Oatmeal: This breakfast favorite can provide you with complex carbohydrates without discoloring your enamel.
- Water: Water is always the best beverage for your teeth, and fluoridated water provides additional benefits by reinforcing your enamel.
Don’t let poor eating and drinking decisions reverse the effects of your teeth whitening treatment. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to keep your smile shiny and bright.
About the Author
Dr. James Kirby earned his dental degree at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and returned to Nashville to practice dentistry in 2008. He greatly enjoys helping patients achieve better smiles through dental implants and cosmetic treatments, and his office offers a host of services such as preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, and teeth whitening. To learn more about how you can keep your smile beautiful and healthy, contact his office on the web or dial (615) 327-2123.