Teeth whitening is a safe, routine procedure that revitalizes your entire smile. Though it is a straightforward, noninvasive treatment, there are certain instructions your dentist will want to you to follow after having your teeth whitened. These instructions will help you achieve the best result possible.
Below Dr. Santoro of Village Center Dentistry discusses foods you need to avoid eating right after your teeth whitening procedure.
Try to Avoid Foods with Color
As a general rule of thumb, avoid any food or drink that would stain a plain white t-shirt. Common foods with color include:
- Colored condiments (ketchup, mustard, etc.)
- Dark fruits (strawberries, blueberries)
- Chocolate (white chocolate is the exception)
- Dark sauces (tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, etc.)
Dark Liquids Are a No-Go
If foods with dark colors are a no-go, so are dark liquids. Do your best to avoid dark and acidic drinks in order to make the most of your teeth whitening procedure.
For example, do your best to avoid:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Dark alcohol (whiskey, bourbon, etc.)
- Fruit juices (grape, orange, carrot, tomato and so on)
- Vegetable-based juices (kale, apple-kale mixes and spinach)
- Energy drinks and all types of colored sports drinks
Coffee is something of a necessity for many people. If you crave caffeine, put a good amount of milk in your coffee to lighten it or consider a clear herbal tea as a reasonable alternative. While tea is (barely) acidic, your dentist probably wouldn’t mind you having a cup or two. You can also use a straw to avoid the outside surfaces of your teeth!
Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks
The teeth whitening procedure leaves your teeth and gums more sensitive than usual for the first 24 hours and up to 72 hours. This temporarily heightened sensitivity is the result of bleaching ingredients used in most teeth whitening procedures. It’s perfectly normal and fades quickly, but acidic foods and drinks can cause discomfort or even pain immediately after your whitening procedure.
Examples include:
- Soda, soft drinks, and most carbonated beverages
- Sugary drinks (sports drinks, flavored coffee alternatives, powdered drink mixes)
- Alcohol (wine, beer, hard liquor)
Making the Most of Your Teeth Whitening
Avoid the foods listed above and your teeth whitening result will be that much better. It’s important to note that these restrictions are only in place for a few days. Consult with your dental professional before resuming consumption of the above foods and drinks.
Dr. Santoro is one of San Diego’s leading dental professionals. Her emphasis on patient care and advanced dental care techniques makes her an excellent option for anyone in the San Diego area. Contact the Village Center Dentistry office for more information.
