Some feelings in life are just awesome. Getting into a freshly made bed. Drinking hot chocolate on a cold day. And getting your teeth whitened! It can significantly affect how you feel and look. The bright results can make you feel more confident and take years off your appearance. You want that to last! You can get the most out of your investment by being mindful of certain foods that can diminish your results. Here are four foods to avoid after your teeth whitening treatment so your smile can shine for as long as possible.
#1. Dark-colored Fruits & Vegetables
It is common knowledge that fruits and vegetables are incredibly nutritious. They provide an incredible amount of antioxidants and vitamins to your body. But fruits and veggies with a darker pigment tend to discolor your teeth, especially after a whitening treatment. For the first week after your newly bright smile, you should wait to enjoy:
- Cherries and pomegranates
- Blueberries and blackberries
- Beets and dark, leafy greens (i.e. kale, spinach, etc.)
#2. Dark-colored Sauces
Many people enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner or crispy french fries with ketchup. Until you spill some of that tomato sauce on your clothes! Generally, if a food or beverage can stain a white shirt, it can also stain your pearly whites. When you consume dark-colored sauces, they mix with your saliva and can coat your teeth, seeping into your enamel as it regains its strength after teeth whitening. It would be best to avoid richly colored sauces, such as:
- Tomato-based sauces and curries
- Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
- Mustard or ketchup
#3. Acidic Foods
Your tooth enamel becomes slightly weakened during your whitening treatment in order to lift stains and discoloration. As it gradually begins to strengthen in the following days, it is wise to avoid acidic foods that could exacerbate your weakened enamel and leave your teeth more susceptible to staining. The following citrus foods would be best to avoid:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Pickled foods
#4: Staining Beverages
It may be likely that one of the reasons you needed teeth-whitening was due to overindulging in beverages that cause staining and discoloration. Many popular drinks affect the color of your teeth due to their dark pigments and high acid content. After your treatment, limit your consumption of:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Dark-colored soda
Foods to Enjoy
Even though it is best to avoid certain foods and beverages for a while in order to safeguard your improved smile, there are still plenty of delicious options! The following foods will not cause any discoloration:
- Scrambled eggs, porridge, and milk
- Rice, bread, and yogurt
- Bananas, coconut, and fish
- Rice pudding and vanilla-based ice creams
Teeth-whitening can be an exciting and life-enhancing treatment. By being mindful of your aftercare, your pearly whites can keep gleaming for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Racha Kadamani and her team at Laith Family Dentistry are pleased to offer a wide variety of cosmetic services to help you get the smile of your dreams. She offers customized teeth whitening treatments with reliable ingredients that can whiten your teeth by as much as 6-10 shades. With both in-office and take-home options available, it’s never been easier to whiten your teeth! To learn more about your teeth whitening options, they can be contacted via their website or call (210) 672-1747.
