FOODS YOU CAN AND CANNOT EAT AFTER TEETH WHITENING
The three factors that contribute to darkening your teeth are chromogens, tannins, and acids. These are found in many common foods and can stain the enamel or make it weaker allowing for stains to set in easier.
While it may seem extremely difficult to go without some of the things mentioned below, just remember it’s only for 48 hours after treatment. It’s a small, brief sacrifice that will help ensure you have beautiful white teeth for longer.
What to Avoid
Coffee – we understand that this may be a hard one to cut out entirely. If you need some to get through the day, then add milk to help reduce the staining effect. Also, limit the amount you drink to no more than two cups as studies show staining increases the more cups you drink.
Tea – dark tea is actually worse for your teeth’s colour than coffee. Again, if you can’t fight the craving then follow the same advice as above.
Wine – red wine’s acidity and dark colours make it a high-risk drink. While white wine can’t stain your teeth itself, the acidity weakens your enamel increasing your vulnerability to other staining foods.
Fizzy Drinks – acidic and full of colouring, avoid these drinks entirely if possible.
Fruit Juices – avoid these drinks because of their high acidity.
Dark condiments – soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, even tomato sauce all carry risks for their colour and acidity.
Dark Fruits – same as above, try to avoid fruits such as blackberries.
Curry – if you’ve seen how curry stains your pots and pans just think of what it will do to your teeth. Definitely avoid this food after treatment to be safe.
Sweets and Chocolate – think of the colour of your tongue after eating some sweets. Your teeth are at risk from staining in the exact same way.
Tobacco – ‘smokers teeth’ is a common expression for a good reason. We highly recommend avoiding smoking after your procedure so try to use nicotine patches and other products to help you fight the craving.
What You Can Have
- Chicken/Turkey – healthy, light coloured, and acid-free. Chicken or turkey is a great meat to eat in general and especially after treatment.
- Fish – avoid darker fish, but white fish such as albacore are fine.
- Rice – this is a perfect accompaniment for the foods above.
- Pasta – although pasta is fine, just be sure to avoid sauces that are coloured like tomato sauce or green pesto.
- White Cheese – just remember to not include wine with this meal.
- Onion – specifically, white onion. Red onion does contain some colouring so it’s best to avoid it.
- Egg Whites – the yoke, unfortunately, has colour so be sure to remove it when cooking your egg.
- Potatoes – we recommend peeling the skin off and only eating simple white coloured potatoes. Mash potato is also absolutely fine.
- White Bread – ideally you should remove the crust to be on the safe side.
- Bananas – these are a great snack and pose little risk to the colour of your teeth.
- Yoghurt – ensure that you eat white yoghurt as coloured yoghurt can contribute to stains.
- Porridge – feel free to add milk and enjoy a delicious bowl. If you like sugar then to protect your teeth in the 48-hour window we recommend using sweetener instead.
Enjoy Your Smile
When done correctly by professionals, teeth whitening is an amazing transformative process that can boost your confidence for years to come.
The white diet is not too hard to follow and is only necessary for the first 48 hours after your teeth whitening treatment.
Ask our dentist for an option for you, visit our website.
