You have finally decided to talk to your dentist and schedule your teeth bleaching procedure. But you still have doubts about whether the results will be permanent. Don’t worry, you are not the first patient to have these concerns. Let us tell you from the beginning, there are some rules you need to follow after having your teeth whitened. These rules include your eating and drinking habits and general oral hygiene. After all, what you consume after treatment can affect how well the whitening process works.
Our dentists will answer all your questions when you visit them, but it is useful to have some preliminary information before your first appointment. You can learn “What to Eat After Teeth Whitening?” and “What is the White Diet?” in this article. Keep on reading!
Can You Eat after Whitening Your Teeth?
After undergoing teeth whitening treatment, you might be wondering about the immediate aftermath, especially when it comes to your diet. The good news is that you can indeed eat after whitening your teeth. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind to maximize the effectiveness and longevity of your treatment.
Following teeth whitening, your teeth might be temporarily more porous and susceptible to staining. This is where the concept of a “white diet” comes into play.
What Is a White Diet?
A white diet after teeth whitening primarily involves opting for foods that have a lower likelihood of staining your teeth. These are typically foods that are low in chromogens, compounds notorious for causing teeth discoloration. Delicate selections such as lean proteins, plain pasta, white rice, yogurt, bananas, and clear broths can make up the core of your meals during this period. Incorporating these tooth-friendly options into your diet for the first couple of days subsequent to your whitening session can substantially contribute to maintaining the newfound brilliance of your smile.
What to Eat after Teeth Whitening?
Remember, while you can eat after whitening your teeth, it’s a good idea to avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and brightly colored fruits for a short period. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene by brushing gently and flossing regularly will contribute to the overall success of your teeth whitening endeavor.
Here are some tooth-friendly options to consider:
- Lean Proteins: Foods like chicken, turkey, and fish are excellent choices. They are not only protein-rich but also unlikely to stain your teeth.
- Plain Carbohydrates: Opt for plain pasta, white rice, and clear bread. These carbohydrate sources are less likely to leave color particles on your teeth.
- Dairy Products: Milk, plain yogurt, and cheese are not only nutritious but also contribute to maintaining your teeth’s whiteness.
- Colorless Fruits and Vegetables: Bananas, cauliflower, apples, and cucumbers are gentle on your teeth and less likely to cause stains.
- Clear Soups and Broths: These are both hydrating and won’t compromise your teeth whitening results.
- Water: Staying hydrated with water helps flush away any potential staining agents and supports overall oral health.
What to Avoid after Teeth Whitening?
While following a white diet, it’s advisable to avoid highly pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and deeply colored berries. These items can counteract the whitening effects and lead to premature discoloration. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth and flossing regularly will contribute to maintaining your newly achieved white smile.
- Highly Pigmented Foods: Foods that are intensely colored, such as berries, beets, and dark sauces, can contribute to staining your teeth. Avoiding these for a few days post-treatment can help preserve your results.
- Dark Beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas are notorious for causing tooth discoloration. Minimize consumption of these beverages, especially immediately after teeth whitening.
- Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits and acidic foods can weaken tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to staining. It’s advisable to limit these foods in the immediate aftermath of whitening.
- Tobacco Products: Smoking and using tobacco products can lead to severe teeth staining. If you’re serious about maintaining your white smile, consider quitting or at least reducing tobacco use.
- Staining Habits: Chewing tobacco, excessive consumption of colored candies, and biting on pens or pencils can all contribute to stains and should be avoided.
- Colored Mouthwashes: Some mouthwashes contain dyes that could potentially stain your teeth. Opt for clear or colorless mouthwashes instead.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Brush gently with a toothbrush designed for sensitive teeth, and use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Flossing regularly will also help prevent plaque buildup that can lead to discoloration.
- Immediate Teeth-Staining Activities: Engaging in activities that could stain your teeth immediately after whitening, such as intense physical activities that lead to heavy mouth breathing or consuming deeply colored foods, should be avoided.
In conclusion, what you eat after teeth whitening matters. By choosing tooth-friendly foods and being mindful of your dietary choices, you can enjoy the benefits of your teeth whitening treatment for a longer time and keep your smile dazzling. If you are thinking about a teeth bleaching (whitening) procedure, give us a call!