Whenever you talk to your dentist and finalize a teeth whitening procedure, wouldn’t you want the results to be long-lasting? What you eat or drink after teeth whitening is a tricky affair and it has an impact on how well the process works on your teeth. Once you get to know which foods work and which don’t, you can plan ahead for the critical time after the program. Apart from ensuring your tooth whitening procedure is professional, here are few other things you need to know about what to eat and what not to eat.
Drinks and Foods to keep at bay after teeth whitening
The beverages and food mentioned below comprise artificial colors or natural pigments that can build up on your teeth over time and again discolor them. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to cut out these foods from your list forever. You just have to stay away from them for the next 2-4 days.
- Tea & Coffee
This is the hardest because most of us are either addicted to tea or coffee but if you can avoid giving in to the temptation of having these two beverages, there won’t be any stains. Tea and coffee comprise tannins that can darken your teeth and spoil the effect of teeth whitening
- Wine
Both white and red wines are not recommended soon after a tooth whitening procedure. There is high acid content in red wine and the dark pigment of red wine can lead to stains. Although white wine is light in color, it can still break off your tooth enamel.
- Chocolates and candies
You must have heard it since childhood that refined sugars can erode, corrode and discolor your teeth. Since your teeth gets more sensible due to teeth whitening, make sure you avoid any kind of candies or chocolates.
- Fizzy soft drinks
Carbonated drinks are usually high in acid and sugar and this can strip off your tooth enamel. So, avoid soft drinks even though you may not be following a white diet.
- Dark fruits
Dark fruits are pigment-rich and they leave a dark stain on your teeth. Whenever a fruit is acidic, it leads to erosion of enamel. So, stay away from fruits like cherries, raspberries, blackberries, pomegranates, and blueberries. Steer clear of juices of these fruits too.
Drinks and foods to have after teeth whitening
Here is a list of the foods and drinks you can have even after a teeth whitening procedure.
- Chicken, fish and tofu
Lean proteins that are light can be taken after teeth whitening but be careful about the vibrant sauces that are often used for seasoning the protein.
- Yogurt and white cheese
Have only plain yogurts and white cheeses. Don’t opt for sugary and colored cheeses or flavored yogurts.
- Pasta, bread, and rice
While on white diet, most grains are safe. You can have bread, pastas and rice but not those that use food coloring as their ingredient.
- Vegetables and fresh fruits
Vegetables and light-colored fruits are staple of white diet. Have fruits like bananas, pears, and apples and veggies like potatoes, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
Apart from teeth whitening, there are other cosmetic treatments including surgery downplay the side-effects of the process. Check out your options before taking a plunge.