A freshly whitened smile feels amazing, but keeping it bright takes a little extra care. The foods you eat right after whitening can make all the difference in how long your results last. So, what can you eat after teeth whitening?
Dr. Boris Pinhasov, a board-certified orthodontist at BP Smiles NY, advises, “After whitening, avoid hot or cold foods for the first 24 hours. Also, stay away from foods that stain, such as red wine, coffee, or tea, to prevent reversing the whitening effects.”
To learn more about post-whitening care or to schedule a consultation, contact BP SMILES in Flushing or the surrounding areas of Queens, NY.
Foods You Can Eat After Teeth Whitening
Dentists often recommend a ‘white diet’ after teeth whitening, which includes light-colored, low-acid foods that help protect your whitening results.
Breakfast Items
- Egg: Egg whites are an excellent source of protein and are less likely to cause staining. It makes them a great option for breakfast. It is advisable to avoid the yolk to reduce any potential risk of discoloration.
- Bread: Avoid toasted or dark bread, and stick to white bread to reduce the risk of staining.
- Bagel: Plain bagels with cream cheese are a safe option for breakfast after teeth whitening. But, avoid flavored varieties that could contain staining ingredients.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt is good for your health and doesn’t have any adverse effect on the white teeth.
- Smoothies: You can eat smoothies made of light-colored fruits, such as bananas. Avoid strawberry smoothies or other rich-colored smoothies.
Lunch & Dinner Items
- Rice: White rice is safe for the teeth after the whitening process. If you like curry with rice, choose light-colored curries.
- Fish: Almost any fish is fine during this period because it doesn’t stain the teeth.
- Meat: It’s best to limit red meat during the initial recovery period, as its darker color and juices can contribute to staining.
- Potato: Potatoes are fine, but avoid heavily seasoned or buttered preparations that could contribute to staining.
- Beans: Lighter beans such as chickpeas or navy beans are safer options. Avoid red kidney beans or black beans, which can cause discoloration.
- Pasta: Pasta with white sauce is a better choice during the initial post-whitening period. It’s best to avoid red sauce temporarily to prevent potential staining.
- Cheese: You can eat cheese after teeth whitening. Remember to select white cheese only.
Snack Items
- Fresh Fruit: We recommend avoiding fruit juice because it has a high sugar content. Instead, eat fresh fruits like bananas, apples, pears, etc.
- Crackers: Crackers are a safe snack option that won’t interfere with your whitening results.
- Chips: Potato chips are safe to eat but avoid colorful dipping sauces.
Beverage Items
- Water: Drink enough water all the time for good oral health. It also prevents dental staining caused by beverages.
- Milk: It is safe to drink and contains a lot of nutrition.
Why Should You Avoid Certain Foods After Teeth Whitening?
After teeth whitening, your enamel becomes more porous, meaning it can absorb stains more easily. This is temporary, but during this time, it’s important to avoid foods and drinks that could stain your teeth.
Dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee, red wine, and berries, can leave pigments on your teeth. Acidic foods can also weaken your enamel, making it even more prone to staining.
Keep Your Smile Bright with BP SMILES Professional Care
At BP Smiles NY, we provide personalized care to help you maintain your bright smile. From professional advice to high-quality whitening products, we’re here to ensure your smile stays radiant.
Our expert team, customized whitening treatments, and post-care tips will help you maintain your whitening results for longer. Contact BP SMILES today to learn more about our whitening services!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I eat salads after teeth whitening?
You can eat salads, but avoid using dark-colored dressings like balsamic vinegar or heavy spices. Opt for light dressings like olive oil or plain yogurt-based dressings.
Q: Is it okay to chew gum after teeth whitening?
Chewing sugar-free, light-colored gum is fine after whitening. However, avoid gums with strong artificial colors or those that leave a residue.
Q: Can I eat sushi after teeth whitening?
You can enjoy sushi, but it’s best to avoid dark sauces like soy sauce and darker fish like tuna, which can cause staining. Stick to lighter fish, such as white fish, and use lighter sauces.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your physician for any medical concerns or before starting any treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice due to the information read here. The authors are not responsible for any outcomes from the use of this information.
