What to Avoid After Teeth Whitening
After investing in a teeth whitening treatment, it’s essential to adopt habits that help maintain your results. One of the most crucial steps is watching what you eat and drink. For at least 48 hours post-treatment—sometimes longer—it’s best to follow a ‘white diet’, avoiding anything that could stain or damage your newly whitened teeth.
Dark-Coloured Beverages
Beverages like coffee, tea, cola, and coloured sports drinks are top culprits for staining teeth. Even though they’re part of daily life for many, they contain tannins and acids that penetrate enamel, leading to discolouration. If you must consume them, use a straw and rinse your mouth with water immediately after.
Red and White Wine
Red wine is widely known for its staining potential due to pigments and acids. Surprisingly, white wine can also contribute to enamel erosion, making teeth more susceptible to staining from other foods. Avoid wine in the days following your treatment to protect your smile.
Dark-Coloured Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, and vegetables like beetroot can easily stain recently whitened teeth. Their vivid pigments stick to enamel and compromise the brightness of your smile.
Tomato-Based Sauces and Dark Sauces
Whether it’s marinara, soy, balsamic vinegar, or barbecue sauces, these items are typically deeply pigmented and acidic. They pose a dual threat—both staining and softening enamel. Opt for lighter alternatives like cream-based or white sauces if needed.
Acidic Foods and Beverages
Citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, and limes), tomatoes, and vinegar-based products weaken enamel through acid exposure. After whitening, your enamel may be more porous and sensitive, allowing acids to trigger discomfort and increase the risk of stains.
Sugary Treats and Fizzy Drinks
Sweet foods and carbonated beverages—including sweets, chocolate, cakes, and soft drinks—promote bacterial growth and plaque buildup. These conditions create an ideal environment for staining and tooth decay, which can dull the effects of your teeth whitening.
Foods with Artificial Dyes
Many processed foods, sweets, cereals, and even colourful condiments contain artificial dyes. These dyes are formulated to last and can cling to your teeth potentially causing uneven staining. Check labels and avoid any food with strong colourants for at least 48 hours.
Sticky and Processed Foods
Sticky foods, such as toffees or dried fruits, cling to teeth and may carry staining pigments. Processed meats like salami and sausages can contain dyes and preservatives that contribute to discolouration.
Alcohol and Tobacco Products
Beyond the general health risks, alcohol—especially when dark in colour—affects enamel strength. Smoking or using chewing tobacco discolours teeth rapidly and should be avoided entirely to preserve whitening results long-term.
What You Can Safely Eat
To maintain your sparkling teeth while getting the nutrition you need, opt for a ‘white diet’ consisting of non-staining, low-acid foods.
Poultry and Fish
Lean proteins like chicken and turkey are safe options. Fish, especially white varieties such as cod or haddock, are excellent choices during the post-whitening period.
Rice, Pasta, and Bread
Stick to plain white rice, pasta without coloured sauces, and white bread. Avoid wholegrains if they contain seeds or dyes.
Dairy Products
Yoghurt, milk, and cheese are not only safe but also help strengthen teeth due to their calcium content. Just ensure there are no added flavourings or dyes.
Potatoes and Cauliflower
White vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, and cauliflower are ideal, providing nutrition without compromising your whitening investment.
Bananas and Apples (Peeled)
Light-coloured fruits like peeled apples and bananas are suitable in moderation. Avoid darker-skinned apples or fully ripe bananas that may impart slight staining.
Water
Plain water is the absolute best drink for post-whitening care. It helps flush away staining agents, keeps you hydrated, and supports oral health.
Long-Term Tips for Maintaining Whitening Results
- Use a straw when drinking potentially staining liquids.
- Brush teeth twice daily with a whitening-safe toothpaste.
- Consider a touch-up whitening treatment every few months.
- Avoid smoking and limit coffee or wine intake.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
Call to Action: Want confident, long-lasting results from your teeth whitening? Contact us today to tailor a whitening maintenance plan that’s right for you, including safe food choices and touch-up schedules.
FAQs
Can I drink tea or coffee after teeth whitening?
It’s best to avoid tea and coffee for at least 48 hours after whitening. If consumed later, use a straw and rinse your mouth immediately afterwards to minimise staining.
Can I eat chocolate after teeth whitening?
Chocolate, especially dark varieties, should be avoided due to its pigmentation and sugar content. Milk chocolate may be safer later but still should be consumed in moderation.
Can I consume citrus fruits after teeth whitening?
No, citrus fruits are acidic and can cause enamel sensitivity and erosion. Wait until enamel strength is fully restored after several days before reintroducing them.
Is it safe to drink red wine after teeth whitening?
Red wine is rich in tannins and pigments that easily stain teeth. It’s best avoided for a minimum of 48 hours, ideally longer, after whitening treatment.
Can I eat spicy foods after teeth whitening?
Spicy foods can cause irritation for sensitive teeth and gums following whitening. Avoid them for a few days and reintroduce gradually to assess comfort levels.