Best and Worst Foods After Teeth Whitening

When home whitening products fail to give you the results you want, a quick trip to your cosmetic dentist can get your teeth as much as 8 shades whiter. Professional whitening treatments contain specially formulated gels to deeply penetrate the enamel to resolve tough stains and discoloration. Your new smile can stay bright for several months to years with the right aftercare. You can preserve your investment by choosing your foods wisely. Here’s a list of the best and worst foods for your newly revitalized smile.

Best Foods After Teeth Whitening

Typically, if anything can stain a white t-shirt, you’ll want to avoid it. Your cosmetic dentist recommends sticking to lighter foods to prevent dark pigments from seeping into the enamel. This is especially important during the first 24 to 48 hours after your whitening treatment. It’s best to follow a white diet until the pores in your enamel constrict. Some excellent options include:

• Cauliflower: Not only is it a light color, but it’s also crunchy, which means it encourages saliva production. Your saliva is a natural cleanser to break down food particles to keep your teeth and gums clean between brushing and flossing.
• Strawberries: Although they aren’t lightly colored, they contain an enzyme called malic acid, which has been shown to naturally whiten the teeth.
• Low-Fat Dairy: Low-Fat dairy products contain calcium and phosphate to encourage strong, healthy teeth. Cheese is an excellent snack because it helps keep the mouth clean while also promoting the strength of your enamel.
• Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Biting into a juicy apple or snacking on a stick of celery can keep your smile bright. They act like scrub brushes for your teeth to remove food residue and plaque that can lead to stains.

Worst Foods After Teeth Whitening

You know you should avoid sugary and starchy foods to promote a cavity-free smile, but you’ll also want to skip a few others to keep your teeth white. You will want to limit your consumption of any foods or drinks that are acidic or darkly pigmented, such as:

• Coffee, teas, and sodas
• Red wine
• Dark berries, like blueberries
• Citrus fruits
• Dark sauces or dressings
• Tomatoes and pasta sauces

If you can’t skip your morning cup of coffee or dipping your fries in ketchup, rinse your mouth with water after you’ve finished to remove stain-causing residue from your teeth. You can also chew a piece of sugarless gum until you’re able to get to your toothbrush. It will stimulate your saliva production to safeguard your smile.

With the right care at home and from a dentist, you can enjoy a vibrant smile for many years. Your dentist can also provide you with a touchup kit to help you maintain your results.

About Dr. DawnMarie DiGrazia

Dr. DiGrazia earned her dental degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey before continuing her training in many specialties, like aesthetics. She strives to help each patient achieve their best smile using the latest advancements in dentistry. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for teeth whitening.