Having a bright white smile is something that many people only dream of. But for those who invest in professional teeth whitening, that bright white smile becomes a reality. To keep your teeth looking as beautiful as they do right now, you are going to want to make some changes to the things that you eat and drink. This is the easiest way to ensure that your investment in your smile will last for as long as possible.
Let’s take a look at eating do’s and don’ts after teeth whitening.
DON’T Drink Dark-Colored Beverages
There are certain beverages that should be avoided within the first week of your teeth whitening treatment - and should be kept to a minimum going forward. These drinks include coffee, red wine, sodas, tea, and the like. All of which are known to cause staining.
DO Drink With a Straw
We have told you about all the different beverages you should avoid in order to protect the results of your whitening treatment. Does that mean you have to give up these beverages entirely? After all, we understand how tough giving up a daily coffee or red wine can be for some people. So, we’ve got some good news.
You don’t have to choose between coffee and white teeth. Instead, drink with a straw. This minimizes the amount of contact the beverage will have with the teeth in your mouth.
DON’T Eat Pigment-Rich Foods
Avoiding certain foods that are rich in pigment can also have a negative impact on your recent teeth whitening treatment. This includes such goods as blackberries, blueberries, pomegranates, dark chocolate, etc.
DON’T Eat Acidic Foods - and Beverages
Acidic foods can weaken your enamel - and jeopardize your whitening treatment. It is a good idea to minimize your consumption of foods such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, grapes, and plums.
DO Avoid Dark Sauces
It is easy to avoid certain foods and beverages without giving much thought to sauces. But, truth is, certain sauces can be just as bad for your teeth. After whitening, consider avoiding ketchup and other tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, barbecue sauce, etc.
DO Eat a Healthy Diet
The greatest way to ensure your teeth are healthy and thriving is from the inside out. In other words, eating a healthy diet and drinking lots of water can work wonders in protecting your smile.
Additional Tips for Teeth Whitening After Care
While the foods you eat and drink play a big role in the longevity of your teeth whitening treatment, they aren’t the only things. If you’d like to enjoy the results a little longer, then you will want to incorporate these tips into your daily routine, too.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Your routine should include brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing daily.
- Rinsing with a gentle mouthwash after eating when brushing isn't an option can be very beneficial in maintaining your white teeth.
- Stop using tobacco. Whether smoking it or chewing it, tobacco is a huge contributor to teeth stains - let it go.
- Avoid wearing lipstick for at least a week after whitening.
- Talk to your dentist about touch-up whitening treatments. Discuss how often you should consider the treatment while keeping your teeth healthy.
At Oak Road Dentistry, we offer teeth whitening treatments that you can safely use at home. If you would like to learn more or get started, contact us today at 770-985-9559 . Or, request an appointment online.