Once you have had the best teeth whitening, it is time to take care of your teeth and food habits for the longevity of your new white smile. During the first two days after having a professional teeth whitening, avoiding acidic, pigmented foods and beverages are recommended, and consuming those foods that do not cause discoloration.
This type of diet is called the “White Diet” – a short-term diet that consists of white and light-colored foods and drinks. This article discusses what you should consume and not eat under the white diet.
How does the white diet work?
Your teeth become slightly porous, and the dentin layer becomes temporarily exposed after teeth whitening is done. Acidic and dark-colored food can cause discoloration as these foods are more easily absorbed into your teeth after whitening.
You can limit the number of dyes and pigments that come into contact with your teeth until the sensitivity goes away by following the White Diet for 48 hours after a whitening procedure.
You must have googled the following questions on google:
- Can I eat peanut butter after teeth whitening?
- Can I eat honey nut cheerios after teeth whitening?
- How long will I have to avoid tea or coffee?
Here, we have got answers to all your questions below. First, we will go through which food to avoid, and then we will take you through the food and drinks you can eat after a teeth whitening.
Your teeth remain most sensitive during the first few days after the whitening procedure, so your dentist may also ask you to avoid these foods for only two days. Do not worry! You don’t have to cut these foods forever.
Avoid these foods and drinks after teeth whitening:
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Wine
Both red and white wines can harm the color and enamel of your teeth. Red wine is acidic and dark spots are likely to cause stains. On the other hand, despite the white wine being lighter in color, it can break down your enamel.
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Coffee and Tea
Tea and coffee are the biggest sources of stains. These two drinks contain tannins, which can gradually build up and darken the color of your teeth. And when your teeth are most porous, tannins can stain even faster.
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Dark fruits
Dark-colored fruits are rich in pigments that can stain your teeth. The fruit can also cause enamel erosion if it is acidic. It may help to avoid fruits with dark juices, which include raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and blueberries.
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Soft drinks
Carbonated drinks are high in acid and sugar and can strip away tooth enamel. Dark-colored colas are also known to contribute to surface stains.
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Candy and chocolate
When teeth are sensitive after teeth whitening, refined sugars can result in decay, erosion, and discoloration.
As mentioned above, we will not let your tongue remain tasteless these days. The following foods are white-colored, less acidic, and free of pigments and chemicals that can cause stains.
Foods and drinks consumable after teeth whitening
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Fresh fruits and vegetables
Light-colored fruits and vegetables are great sources for the white diet. Fruits such as bananas, apples, and pears and vegetables such as cauliflower, potatoes, and mushrooms are good for your teeth and your overall health.
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Rice, bread, and pasta
Most grains are safe to have after teeth whitening is done.
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White cheese and yogurt
White cheese and plain yogurt are the right choices for this diet. Try to avoid artificially colored cheese and sugary yogurt.
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Fish, chicken, and tofu
Light, lean proteins are healthy both for your teeth and overall health.
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Water
Water can help you stay hydrated and is good for oral health and a bright smile. Water does not risk staining your teeth, nor does it affect enamel.
Bottom line
To let your white smile last longer, you must take extra care of your food habits. It is just a matter of a few days, and you can enjoy your favorite food after a few days of teeth whitening when your teeth are less sensitive. Make sure you eat only the foods and drinks we have listed for you during these two days.
Routine cleanings, touch-up treatments, and dental exams are vital for the overall health of your teeth and mouth. Apart from this, do not forget to visit your dentist for regular checkups to stay updated. You can contact us for more information or any queries regarding teeth whitening.