Professional teeth whitening can give your smile a noticeably brighter appearance, but keeping those results looking their best requires some care after treatment. Immediately after whitening, your teeth may be temporarily more sensitive and more susceptible to staining. What you eat and drink during this period can make a difference.
While your dentist will provide personalized aftercare instructions, it is generally wise to avoid highly pigmented, acidic, or very hot and cold foods for a short time after whitening. Here are 4 foods to consider avoiding.
1. Tomato-Based Foods
Tomatoes are highly pigmented and can potentially stain your newly whitened teeth. Foods such as tomato sauce, spaghetti with red sauce, salsa, and tomato soup may be best avoided immediately after treatment.
If you’re craving pasta, consider choosing a lighter sauce instead. Once your dentist’s recommended waiting period has passed, you can generally return to your normal diet.
2. Berries
Berries are nutritious, but many varieties contain intense natural pigments that can stain surfaces, including your teeth. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and dark cherries are examples of colorful fruits you may want to temporarily avoid.
This doesn’t mean you need to eliminate these healthy foods from your diet permanently. Instead, enjoy them again once your dentist says it’s appropriate.
3. Dark-Colored Foods
Many foods with deep colors can potentially contribute to staining. Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, curry, dark chocolate, and certain brightly colored spices are examples.
When choosing meals immediately after whitening, consider lighter-colored foods such as chicken, rice, potatoes, plain pasta, or cauliflower. These options can make it easier to avoid unnecessary exposure to staining pigments while your teeth are particularly sensitive.
4. Acidic or Very Hot Foods
Not every food that can cause problems after whitening is dark in color. Highly acidic foods can contribute to tooth sensitivity, which may already be temporarily increased after treatment. Citrus fruits, vinegar-heavy foods, and highly acidic sauces may therefore be uncomfortable immediately after whitening.
Extremely hot foods can also trigger sensitivity. If your teeth feel tender, choose foods and beverages closer to room temperature until the discomfort improves.
Don’t Forget About Drinks!
Although this list focuses on foods, beverages deserve attention, too. Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and dark fruit juices can stain teeth. Your dentist may recommend avoiding or limiting these beverages for a period after professional whitening.
When you do resume drinking potentially staining beverages, using a straw when appropriate and rinsing your mouth with water afterward may help reduce contact with your teeth.
Professional whitening can produce impressive results but maintaining them requires good oral hygiene and smart dietary choices. Follow your dentist’s specific instructions about how long to avoid certain foods and drinks as recommendations can vary depending on the whitening system used.
About the Practice
Did you know studies show that others tend to judge someone with bright and beautiful teeth as attractive, friendly, and intelligent? Don’t worry – you can get that look, too! Dr. Zelia Cannon and Dr. James Shahinian can make your teeth 6 to 8 shades brighter in as little as an hour. Head to our website or call our Sparta office at (973) 729-9044 to make your appointment.