Professional teeth whitening can leave you with a set of gleaming-white teeth. Having a brighter smile can also roll back the hands of time, leaving you looking younger and more vibrant. After achieving these results, the last thing you want is to reverse course. As you continue reading, learn about foods that whiten teeth and discover which items should be avoided so that you can maintain your gorgeous new smile!
What to Consume During the First 24 Hours
For starters, you can feel free to consume white or clear beverages. Some items you can consider are water, coconut water, milk, white wine and sugar-free white lemonade.
The same parameters apply to your food choices. Stick to items like white fish, chicken, potatoes, pasta with white sauce, rice, yogurt, bananas and egg whites.
What to Avoid
Based on the above information, it’s obvious that darkly pigmented foods and beverages should be avoided. However, there are two other categories that should be added to the list:
Acidic Foods
You’ll definitely want to avoid acidic foods shortly after your teeth have been whitened. During the whitening process, your enamel is slightly weakened from the high-powered bleaching agents. Acidic foods can make matters worse, further compromising the enamel. This can result in tooth sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods.
Initially, you should stay away from the following:
- Tomatoes
- Pineapples
- Processed meats
- Pickled foods, such as sauerkraut or pickles
Carbonated Beverages
Some online sources suggests that clear carbonated beverages like Sprite or sparkling water are okay to consume after having your teeth whitened. From the standpoint of pigmentation, they are harmless. However, there is more to consider.
Here are the two main issues with both:
- Sugar – Typically, sodas contain an abundance of sugar, which lead to tooth decay and cavities. Poor oral health can translate into a tarnished smile.
- Acid – As mentioned earlier, highly acidic beverages can contribute to tooth erosion.
As a note, there is the option of drinking diet soda and sugar-free sparkling water. However, the carbonation can still pose a threat to your teeth.
Other Ways to Protect Your Smile
In addition to avoiding items that could compromise your smile, it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. By keeping oral bacteria and plaque growth under control, you can preserve your smile longer and ensure that your teeth and gums remain as healthy as possible.
It’s of equal importance to perform frequent and consistent dental hygiene, which should include brushing and flossing at least two times a day. In doing so, you’ll be able to get much more mileage out of your teeth whitening and maintain a healthy mouth for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem is a graduate of Temple University. Throughout his career, he has helped his patients improve their oral health and increase their dental IQ by providing well-rounded and competent care. As a testament to his commitment to excellence, Dr. Kassem maintains professional affiliation with the Academy of General Dentistry and other organizations. He whitens teeth to create beautiful smiles at iSmile Dental Arts, and he can be reached for more information through his website.
