Foods and Beverages to Avoid after Teeth Whitening
Submitted by Dr. Samir Ayoub on January 8, 2019 - 9:00 am
After investing the time, money and effort into teeth whitening, you want to enjoy your results as long as possible. Newly whitened teeth are very susceptible to staining, so it is important to make good choices about what you consume in the two or three days immediately following whitening treatment.
Read on as Dr. Samir Ayoub discusses what to avoid eating and drinking after teeth whitening so that you do not sabotage your results.
Anything Dark in Color
A good rule of thumb to follow after whitening is to avoid foods and beverages that could stain a white shirt. This includes coffee, tea, cola, red wine and colorful juices. If you must have a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, drink your beverages through a straw to limit their contact with your teeth. Stay away from berries, red pasta sauces, ketchup, soy sauce, dark chocolate and other dark-colored foods. Snacks with powdered cheese, like Cheetos, cheddar cheese popcorn and similar foods should also be avoided.
Anything Acidic
Dr. Ayoub recommends you also avoid acidic foods and beverages after teeth whitening treatment. The bleaching agent in the whitening gel may make teeth sensitive, and acidic foods and beverages can further irritate them. Refrain from eating or drinking citrusy foods and beverages, sodas, pickles and anything similar.
Tobacco
Tobacco can stain newly whitened teeth, so hold off on smoking or using other tobacco products for the first few days after your whitening treatment. Of course, it is best to quit smoking altogether to maintain bright, white teeth!
What Can You Have after Teeth Whitening?
There are plenty of healthy and delicious foods that are safe to eat after teeth whitening treatment, including the following:
- white bread
- flour tortillas
- crackers
- mashed potatoes
- skinless turkey or chicken
- white rice
- pasta with white sauce
- apples
- celery
- cauliflower
- cheese
- water
- milk
Contact Dr. Samir Ayoub Today
If you have additional questions about what to eat or drink after teeth whitening treatment, feel free to call or email our San Francisco office. We are always here to help! If you would like to schedule a whitening appointment with Dr. Ayoub, please contact us today.
