After investing in teeth whitening, many patients want to know how to get the most out of treatment. While you can eat after teeth whitening, our dentists recommend following a strict diet for the first few days.
Here’s a simple guide detailing things to avoid and what to eat after teeth whitening.
What Can I Eat After Teeth Whitening?
For the best whitening results, be conscious of what you eat and drink the first couple of days after treatment.
You’ll want to avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth when you can. While you don’t have to change your diet completely, stick to foods that have low acidity and are free of pigments, such as light proteins, light grains, and dairy.
Light Proteins: Chicken, Fish, & Tofu
Light proteins are a great meal option after teeth whitening. Just be careful not to eat them with anything that could stain your teeth — like brightly-colored seasonings or sauces!
Light Grains: Bread, Rice, and Pasta
Most grains are safe to eat after whitening. That said, keep an eye out for items containing molasses or food coloring — these are sometimes added to bread or pasta and can transfer to your teeth.
You’ll want to steer clear of red sauce or pesto with pasta. White sauce is perfectly fine to eat! Avoid black or red beans if they’re paired with rice.
Dairy: Yogurt and Cheese
White cheeses, light-colored yogurts, and eggs are some of the best choices for post-teeth whitening. However, you’ll want to skip yogurts with added sugar or dark berries.
Regarding drinks, only a few are ideal for maintaining a white smile, including water, milk, and green tea.
What Not to Eat After Teeth Whitening
Taking extra precautions after treatment will prevent pain and sensitivity and keep your teeth white for longer. As mentioned above, certain foods and drinks can cause discoloration and reverse the effects of whitening. To avoid this, stay away from foods and drinks with excess sugar, high acidity, and dark pigmentation.
Sugary Foods and Drinks
It’s no secret that sugar can cause cavities and makes you more prone to teeth stains. Bacteria love sugar, so when you eat excessive amounts of it, it starts to break down your teeth – leaving behind microscopic pits that trap pigments from foods and drinks. As these pits fill up, your teeth become more and more yellow.
Avoiding anything with a lot of sugar, especially if it’s dark, is typically in your best interest after whitening treatment.
Highly-Acidic Foods and Drinks
Similar to sugar, acid can weaken the enamel and cause staining. Some examples of foods and drinks with high acid content include:
Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, pineapples, grapefruit, etc.)
Soda and carbonated water
Red wine
Vinaigrette dressing
Tomatoes and red sauces
Pickles
And more!
Dark-Colored Foods and Drinks
Generally, any food or drink that would stain a white shirt can do the same to your teeth, like coffee and dark-colored tea or strawberries and blueberries. It’s also best to cut out anything with added colorants (ketchup, chocolate, soy sauce, etc.) for the first few days after whitening.
While you don’t have to cut out these foods and drinks entirely, be mindful of how often you eat them. If you can’t kick your coffee habit for a day or two, try drinking through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Services in Omaha, NE
Are you considering professional teeth whitening in Omaha, NE? Call 402-498-8804 or contact us today to schedule a consultation. With over 30 years of combined experience, our dentists will let you know if teeth whitening is right for you and explain how to maintain your results best.
About the Author: Drs. Sharlene and Robert Wilson offer various general and cosmetic dentistry services in Omaha, NE. They earned their doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. With over 30 years of combined experience, both are committed to helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smiles. Call 402-498-8804 to schedule an appointment.