Anyone who smiles can feel self-conscious if they have stained or discolored teeth. It’s, therefore, a momentous occasion when you finally consult with your dentist and choose a teeth whitening process!
Most likely, you’ve been contemplating getting your teeth whitened for some time, and now that the time has come, you want the effects to endure. If so, following a teeth-whitening procedure, you must discover what foods to eat.
Yes, you can indulge in whatever you like once the first 48 hours have passed. However, the first few days of your diet can make or break how long your teeth stay white.
Here’s a small guide to help you prepare for your professional teeth whitening!
THE IMPORTANCE OF TEETH WHITENING AFTERCARE
The majority of us don’t consider how our diet affects the color of our teeth. We also want you to resume your carefree way of life as soon as possible. However, the teeth whitening technique itself initially results in some alterations in your mouth, so it’s important for you to exercise caution.
Your enamel’s color will change immediately following your surgery. However, the process of healing and sealing your teeth is still in progress, and changes are constantly being made.
If you consume the incorrect foods or beverages during this aftercare time, you risk swiftly losing the outcomes you loved following your procedure. This is because the enamel on your teeth has been somewhat altered to allow for bleaching.
The solution used during any whitening operation causes the enamel on your teeth to enlarge. The bleaching substance is absorbed by this new porous property, giving the appearance of whiter teeth. However, the porousness remains, so it can continue absorbing the colors from the food and liquids you consume over the next 48 hours.
You should generally avoid meals that are brightly colored, like eggplant, or can stain your teeth, like tea. After a whitening procedure, there is a unique list of white foods you can stick to if you want to avoid meals that stain teeth.
FOODS TO AVOID BEFORE TEETH WHITENING
You could notice that while your teeth become whiter, they also become more sensitive. Eating foods with the least acidity is one way to help them become less sensitive. This is because the acid can weaken your teeth and increase sensitivity. Sugary foods are terrible for your teeth because they function as a bacterial fertilizer. Bacteria cause decay and make teeth extremely sensitive to temperature changes by eroding bone and destroying tooth enamel.
So which meals should you avoid before bleaching? You should avoid oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, and other foods high in acid for a few hours before dental procedures like professional tooth cleanings or at-home whitening treatments.
FOODS NOT TO EAT AFTER TEETH WHITENING
The following foods and drinks contain natural or synthetic colors that can accumulate over time and cause discoloration.
These foods don’t have to be eliminated permanently. Most dentists advise avoiding these items for around two days because your teeth are most exposed for the first few days after the teeth whitening operation.
1. Wine
Both white and red wines might be bad for your teeth’s color and enamel. Red wine has a high acid content and is likely to leave stains due to its dark hue. Despite its lighter hue, white wine can nonetheless damage enamel.
2. Coffee & Tea
It could be challenging to break your coffee or tea habit for a few days, but doing so will help you prevent one of the main sources of stains.
Tannins found in coffee and tea can accumulate over time and darken the color of your teeth. When your teeth are most porous, after a professional whitening, tannins can discolor them much more quickly.
After whitening your teeth, cut back on your coffee and tea consumption for a few days. If you have to have your morning brew daily, consider drinking it via a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
3. Soft Drinks
You might want to avoid anything if it fizzes. The acid and sugar content of carbonated beverages can erode dental enamel. Dark-colored colas can also cause surface stains. Even if you are not on the White Diet, avoiding soft drinks can help you have whiter, healthier teeth.
4. Candy & Chocolate
Refined sugars can cause erosion, discoloration, and damage, especially if your teeth are still sensitive to teeth whitening. After your procedure, stay away from chocolate and candy with artificial colors.
5. Dark Fruits
Fruits with dark hues contain a lot of pigments that can discolor your teeth. Highly acidic fruits might also cause enamel degradation. Avoiding fruits with dark juices, such as raspberries, cherries, pomegranates, blackberries, and blueberries, may be of assistance. Avoid the juices made from these fruits as well.
Though it’s safe to consume your favorite fruits again 48 hours after whitening, don’t eliminate healthy fruits from your diet for a long period.
WHAT FOODS TO EAT AFTER TEETH WHITENING?
Here are some things you should eat after having your teeth whitened now that you are aware of those you should avoid. These meals are generally white in color, low in acidity, and free of the colors and chemicals that can cause stains, just as the name implies.
1. Fish, Chicken, & Tofu
Light, lean proteins are ideal after teeth whitening and are generally healthy. Be careful when using colorful seasonings or sauces with your meal; stick to white sauces instead.
2. Rice, Bread, & Pasta
The majority of grains are acceptable on the White Diet. Watch out for bread and pasta that contains molasses or food coloring, as these are frequently used to give bread and pasta an unnaturally darker tint that can transfer to your teeth.
3. White Cheese & Yogurt
Avoid yogurts with added sugar and cheeses that are artificially colored. The best foods for this diet are simple yogurt and white cheese.
4. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
The White Diet includes a lot of fruits and vegetables that are light in color.
Fruits and vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, apples, pears, bananas, and bananas are wonderful for your overall health and teeth.
5. Water
Water is the finest beverage for hydration, oral health, and a bright smile. Water should be your primary beverage choice while following the White Diet because it has no chance of discoloring your teeth or wearing down your enamel.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH AFTER WHITENING
Quit smoking
It can be challenging to eliminate the yellowing of the enamel caused by nicotine, which can be found in cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes. Giving up cigarettes will benefit your teeth as well as your oral health in general.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings
You shouldn’t just see the dentist for teeth whitening; frequent examinations and cleanings work hand in hand with whitening treatments to maintain the health of your smile.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are various food items that you should avoid before and after getting a professional teeth whitening treatment.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward whiter and brighter teeth, let Forma Dental help you find the best option. Call (786) 544-6442 to schedule an appointment with our Coral Gables dental office to refresh your appearance.