While you’ll certainly want to walk around smiling at strangers after receiving teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to take proper care of your teeth to preserve the results of the procedure. Teeth whitening can take years of stains and discoloration off of your smile, but it will also make your teeth more vulnerable to developing new stains for a few days afterward. Here are a few foods you should take care to avoid for a few days after teeth whitening.
Dodge Beverages with Lots of Sugar, Pigment, or Acid
Maybe you’re eager to have a nice glass of red wine to celebrate your whitened teeth. Perhaps you’d like a warm cup of coffee to give you a little spark the next morning. Unfortunately, beverages like coffee, red wine, cola, tea, and sports drinks contain sugars, acids, and pigments that can cause tooth decay and dental stains. It’s especially important to keep your teeth from these chemicals for a few days after teeth whitening, so be sure to wait a while before indulging in your favorite non-water beverages.
Tomato Sauce Can Lead to Your Smile’s Sheen’s Loss
Tomatoes are popular ingredients in many foods, and they are frequently found in sauces like ketchup, barbeque sauce, and pasta sauce. Unfortunately, they are rich in acids and pigments that can erode your enamel and stain it with a reddish hue. Take care to avoid your Italian favorites like pizza and pasta and to skip having ketchup with your French fries until a few days have passed since your whitening treatment.
Blueberries Can Stain Anything, Including Teeth
Blueberries are known for being sweet, tart, and rich in nutrients like antioxidants. They are also known for staining anything they come into contact with, including carpets, clothing, furniture, and teeth. Blueberries are heavy in pigments, so avoid using them on your pancakes or indulging in blueberry smoothies until your teeth have had a few days to recover after whitening.
Teeth whitening treatment can leave your teeth up to ten shades whiter, but it requires you to take the proper precautions to preserve the results. By avoiding these foods for a few days after treatment, you can ensure that your shiny white smile lasts for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and volunteered for many years at Crossing Church Community Clinic. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His office in Saginaw, TX offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. For more information on caring for your teeth after teeth whitening, contact his office online or dial (817) 989-2832.