Foods to Steer Clear of After Having Your Teeth Whitened

Professional teeth whitening has given millions of people a new reason to smile. If you want to keep smiling, though, it’ll take a little work on your part, one aspect being mindful of what you eat and drink. Avoid the after-whitening sensitivity and make your results last by avoiding these particular foods and beverages.

Dark Drinks

This may hurt some to hear, but coffee and red wine won’t do your teeth any favors after having them whitened. Same goes for cola and tea. Their dark-colored nature can leave stains, and the acidity found in some of them can further weaken your tooth enamel that’s temporarily affected by the bleach used in the whitening process.

Your dentist will specifically instruct you when it’s safe to enjoy these drinks again, but the general guidelines suggest waiting at least 48 to 72 hours after whitening to drink them.

Dark-Colored Foods

If it can easily stain a white shirt, it can probably stain your teeth.

Dark chocolate, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and soy sauce are just a few of the common culprits known to darken newly brightened smiles.

Instead, choose lighter-colored foods such as chicken, rice, plain pasta, potatoes, or cauliflower during the initial period after treatment.

Acidic Foods

Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, and grapefruit), tomatoes, vinegar-based foods, and other acidic choices can contribute to tooth sensitivity after whitening. Because your teeth may already feel more sensitive than usual, acidic foods can make discomfort worse.

If your teeth are sensitive, choose high-fiber foods like whole grains and vegetables until your symptoms improve. Drinking water with meals can also help rinse away food acids.

Very Hot or Cold Foods

Increased sensitivity following whitening is common, making extremely hot or cold foods uncomfortable. Ice cream, frozen desserts, hot soups, and steaming beverages may trigger sensitivity during the first few days.

Let hot foods cool slightly and avoid extremely cold foods if your teeth are tender.

Avoiding highly pigmented, acidic, and temperature-extreme foods and drinks for the period recommended by your dentist can help make the post-whitening period more comfortable and protect your results. To get the most out of your investment long-term, practice good oral hygiene, make sensible foods choice, and visit your dentist every 6 months for preventive care.

About the Practice

If you’re interested in improving the look of your smile, Lacquaniti Dental offers many cosmetic services, including teeth whitening! Our at-home treatment involves custom trays tailored to your specific bite that allow you to achieve a glowing grin in just a couple of weeks from the comfort of your own home. Call our Mt. Dora office at (352) 383-8121 to get started or visit our website.