After professional teeth whitening, you want your results to last, right? But did you know what you eat can affect how well your teeth stay white? Here’s what you need to know about eating after teeth whitening to keep your smile bright for a long time.
Why You Need to Watch What You Eat?
You need to change your diet the right way after teeth whitening because certain foods can make the whitening less effective.
During teeth whitening, your dentist or hygienist applies special products to your teeth. These products open the pores on the outer layer of your teeth, letting the whitening bleach get inside and make your teeth whiter.
After the procedure, it takes time for the pores to close. In the meantime, your teeth can absorb pigments from the food you eat, just like they absorb bleach during the procedure. This can reduce or even cancel out the whitening effects you want.
Your teeth are also more likely to get cavities during this time. Sugar can easily get into the open pores. So, avoid sugary foods after the procedure.
A “white diet” after teeth whitening can reduce sensitivity and keep teeth from becoming stained.
Foods and Drinks You Can Have After Teeth Whitening
If you follow the general rule that lighter foods are better for your teeth after whitening, you will be absolutely okay. Below, we’ve made a list of foods you can eat after teeth whitening to help you.
Here are some breakfast ideas:
- Eggs – Scrambled eggs are better than fried eggs because the bright yolk won’t stain your teeth as much.
- Bagels – Cream cheese or butter is fine, but avoid jams and jellies.
- Cereal – Choose cereals without added sugar and use any kind of milk.
- Yogurt – Plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt is best.
- Banana smoothies – These are a good option for a healthy breakfast.
For lunch, you can have many different things. Keep these food ideas in mind when you make your afternoon meals:
- Sandwiches – You can enjoy basic sandwiches but without jams, jellies, mustard, or brightly colored condiments.
- Cheese – You can consume cheese, but make sure it is white cheese only.
- Pasta and pizza – These are okay, but use creamy white sauces instead of red sauces.
For dinner, you can eat meat, but be very careful about how much. We’d still recommend you stick to white foods after teeth whitening, like these:
- Meat – Choose poultry or white fish instead of red meat.
- Potatoes – Regular white potatoes are fine, but avoid sweet potatoes and potatoes with cheese sauce.
- Rice and beans – These are popular meals, but avoid black beans or any beans that are a strong color.
- Salads – If you want a salad, choose potato or macaroni salads. Wait until 48 hours after teeth whitening to have salads with lettuce.
Now, who said you can’t snack after teeth whitening? You can, but only if you choose the right foods. Here are some good options:
- Potato chips – Regular potato chips with white dip are okay.
- Crackers – Crackers are a good choice.
- Pretzels – These are another good option.
- Fruits – Apples, bananas, pears, and other light-colored, low-acid fruits are fine.
- Cheese sticks – White cheese sticks are a good snack.
Everything you eat and drink can affect your teeth whitening results. Here are some liquids you can drink after the procedure:
- Water – This is the best choice.
- Milk – Milk is also good.
- Apple juice – Apple juice is okay.
- Green tea – Green tea is a good option.
- Clear sodas – Clear sodas are okay to drink.
You don’t have to starve yourself by eating very little; as you can see, there are many foods you can still eat. However, waiting for at least 48 hours for your favorite foods can make them taste even better later!
To Wrap It All Up!
Drinking coffee, tea, and wine can stain your teeth. Regular brushing and over-the-counter whitening strips may not be enough to remove these stains.
At AK Dental of Austin, we use the best products and techniques to whiten your teeth, both on the surface and deep inside. Call us at (512) 827-9958 or book online to schedule a teeth whitening appointment. We look forward to helping you get a brighter smile!