What Not to Eat After Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening will beautify your teeth in little time without busting your budget.  As long as you are willing to follow the dentist's directions, this whitening procedure will prove effective.  In particular, dentists are adamant patients should avoid certain foods after having their teeth whitened. The teeth are fairly porous after the teeth whitening procedure.

Porous teeth are that much more likely to absorb more pigment than they should.  This is precisely why foods that are dark n color should be avoided. Below, we take a look at the foods dentists advise patients to avoid following teeth whitening.

Do not Consume Acidic Foods and Beverages After Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening has the potential to heighten tooth sensitivity.  It is also possible for teeth whitening to irritate the gums. You can do your part to reduce the chances of irritation and sensitivity by eliminating acidic foods from your diet.  Acidic foods irritate the gums and make the teeth that much more sensitive.

The bottom line is acids of all types are irritants.  Patients are advised to stay away from acidic foods and beverages for upwards of two days after the in-office bleaching.  These foods should also be avoided for at least a few hours after at-home teeth whitening.

Avoid Food and Beverages That are Dark in Color

Foods and beverages that are dark in hue have the potential to sabotage the teeth whitening process.  Do not consume such foods in the days following your teeth whitening. Examples of such foods include tomato sauce, carrots, blueberries, strawberries, dark marinades, chocolate, chili and popsicles.

The general rule of thumb is if the food or beverage in question will stain a white shirt, it should be avoided.  So do not down a glass of red wine or hot chocolate following your teeth whitening. Instead, choose water or something with a white or beige hue such as gin, vodka or white wine.  If you absolutely have to have your coffee, consume it through a straw. Do not swish the liquid around in your mouth after sucking it up through the straw.

Snacks With Powdered Cheese

Snacks that have cheese in powder form creates a mess.  Think back to the last time you at Cheez Doodles, cheddar cheese popcorn or other snacks with powdered cheese.  You likely had little bits of the powder all over your fingers, mouth and shirt. Such powdered cheese will compromise your newly-whitened teeth.

What, Exactly, Should Patients eat After Teeth Whitening?

Ideally, the patient will consume a fairly large meal prior to the teeth whitening process.  If you are hungry in the hours following your teeth whitening, choose food that does not have a rich color.  It is best to consume rice, yogurt, milk, oatmeal, porridge, egg whites, white bread without the crust, sushi, chicken or anything else that is light in hue.

For more information on the teeth whitening process or to schedule an appointment, call our office today. We will help keep your smile healthy and shining brightly.

Call (703) 745-3227 today to reach Titan Dental Care.