When individuals envision an attractive smile, they typically associate it with bright and white teeth. Various foods and beverages can cause discoloration, but undergoing professional teeth whitening can eliminate the stains they leave behind. Nevertheless, it’s important to steer clear of certain foods and drinks after whitening your smile. Continue reading to discover what to avoid and the recommended alternatives for maintaining a radiant smile.
What to Eat Instead
While there are certain foods and beverages to steer clear of post-teeth whitening, there are numerous options you can still enjoy, such as:
- White rice, potatoes, and pasta – These light-colored foods are less likely to leave stains.
- Hot cereal – Opt for oatmeal, porridge, and grits as alternatives to vibrant breakfast cereals.
- Light-colored fruits and veggies – Incorporate bananas, white onions, coconut, and cauliflower into your diet.
- White, crustless bread – Consider either removing the crust or selecting bread without any crust.
- Whitefish – Cod, pollock, and haddock serve as excellent choices in this category.
- Skinless poultry – Choose chicken and turkey for a teeth-friendly option.
- Firm fruits and vegetables – Indulge in green beans, celery, and apples without worrying about stains.
- Dairy products – Opt for plain yogurt, milk, and cheese as they are less likely to discolor your teeth.
- Eggs – Enjoy this classic breakfast choice without compromising your recently whitened smile.
- Deli meats – Select turkey and chicken for satisfying meals after teeth whitening.
5 Types of Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Teeth Whitening
Enhancing your smile through teeth whitening can significantly boost your confidence, but consuming the wrong foods and drinks immediately after the procedure may reintroduce stains to your smile. It’s advisable to steer clear of certain types of food and drinks during the initial days following the treatment, like:
- Vibrant produce, like cherries, carrots, blackberries, grapes, spinach, blueberries, and plums
- Dark or colorful condiments and sauces, like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and barbeque sauce
- Foods that contain dyes, like fruit candies, colorful breakfast cereals, and chewing gum
- Dark and highly pigmented drinks, like red wine, grape juice, coffee, tea, and cola
- Acidic foods and drinks, like lemons, limes, pickles, oranges, beer, and soda
Other Ways to Make Your Results Last
In addition to avoiding stain-causing foods, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for a stain-free smile. Brush for two minutes twice daily and floss nightly to reduce the risk of decay by eliminating plaque and food particles.
Regular dental checkups, at least twice a year, are also essential. During these visits, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to address any potential oral health issues and safeguard your smile. After a few days following teeth whitening, you can reintroduce darker foods and drinks into your diet. Be patient until then to avoid staining and maintain the lovely appearance of your smile!
About the Practice
Dr. Jane C. Puskas and her team provide residents in the Atlanta area with a range of top-notch, effective procedures aimed at fostering healthy and joyful smiles. They are dedicated to delivering outstanding care to their patients in Abingdon. If you’re dealing with stained teeth, they provide Zoom! teeth whitening to eliminate discoloration and enhance your smile’s beauty. Explore their website or contact their office at (404) 261-7488 to discover more about teeth whitening or to book an appointment.