After spending money, time, and effort to have your teeth whitened through your dentist, you want to be able to enjoy the results for as long as possible. Newly whitened teeth are more sensitive to stains, so it’s important not to let them become discolored in the two or three days after your treatment. You can avoid staining by eating carefully in the days after whitening your teeth.
Don’t Use Brightly Colored Dental Hygiene Products
While proper oral hygiene must still be observed despite your teeth being whitened, you must exercise caution with the products you use. Avoid using brightly colored dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash on the day after your whitening procedure. Blue, red, orange, and purple tones stain teeth more quickly than white or light-colored items.
Also, note that sensitivity to hot and cold sensations may be heightened after whitening. Use toothpaste and mouthwash designed for sensitive teeth on the day after your whitening session. Talk to your dentist to determine which brands are best for you.
Put a Lid on Colored Drinks
You should avoid meals and beverages that might stain your teeth for the time being. Strongly-colored liquids such as red wine, coffee, tea, beer, and sodas will stain your teeth.
Drinking through a straw helps keep the intense color of the liquid away from your teeth to keep your smile brighter for longer. Better still, drink any fluids from a straw for the next couple of days just to be sure.
Stop Munching on Colored and Spicy Foods
Several foods, snacks, and sauces are best avoided after teeth whitening from your dentist. These include:
- Citrus and other acidic fruit (lemons, oranges, limes, mangoes, plums)
- Colorful spices (curry, paprika, turmeric)
- Colored vegetables (tomatoes and carrots)
- Dark-colored sauces (red sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar)
- Highly-pigmented berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- Milk chocolate and dark chocolate
- Red meat
Take a Break from Tobacco
Smoking cigars and cigarettes will quickly stain your teeth a pale yellow or light brown, which will reset your teeth whitening and damage your teeth. You must clean your teeth regularly, especially if you smoke or chew tobacco. Cleaning regularly helps keep your teeth white and helps prevent disease and decay.
Your dentist may even recommend giving up smoking and tobacco altogether to preserve your teeth whitening.
So, What Can You Put in Your Mouth after Teeth Whitening?
You may feel that your options are minimal due to having had your teeth whitened, but you can still eat a variety of safe foods. For 10–14 days, it is advisable to stick to a white diet that consists of white or colorless items. The meals and beverages outlined below are safe for your teeth after whitening:
Beverages
- Clear alcohol such as gin and tonic, vodka, and club soda
- Skimmed milk
- Coconut water
- Coconut milk
- Unfavoured sparkling water
- White wine
Food
- Skinless turkey or chicken without the fat pieces
- White fish, but avoid using strong spices or colored sauces
- Avoid all forms of white rice, pasta, and bread, as they can cause cavities.
- Eat egg whites without the yokes.
- Lower-fat versions of white cheese
- Peeled potatoes without adding anything to them
- Try cauliflower and white onions if you’re having trouble giving up butter.
Remember not to grill or fry the above meats since the browning will leave stains on your teeth.
Get Teeth Whitening from a Dentist in Chattanooga
Teeth whitening is a beautiful, affordable treatment that can make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your smile. To ensure your whitened smile remains that way for as long as possible, it’s essential to follow the whitening aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. While you may not avoid the occasional stain, the right foods and beverages will ensure that you have a white smile for the rest of your life.
At Shallowford Family Dental Group, we are committed to providing the best care possible to our patients. Our practice began in 1940 when one dentist in Chattanooga opened an office to focus solely on his patients’ dental health. As years passed, our clients began bringing their family members to the practice, and we gained thousands of beautiful patients who entrusted us with the health of their loved ones. Today we continue this care tradition in our modern, state-of-the-art facility with our four experienced doctors. Book your appointment now!