If you’re planning to have your teeth professionally whitened at your dentist’s office, or at home using a dental-grade whitening kit from your dentist, you may want to avoid certain foods. Teeth whitening expands the pores in the enamel of the teeth, so in the first 48 hours after your whitening treatment, it is crucial to avoid foods known to cause staining. Here are suggestions of what to eat after teeth whitening.
Foods to Avoid After You’ve Had Your Teeth Whitened
Foods that are notorious for staining teeth should be avoided after having your teeth whitened. A partial list of these foods include:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Red sauces (marinara, pizza sauce)
- Soy sauce, and dark sauces that use soy sauce as an ingredient
- Red and dark vinaigrette dressings
- Black tea
- Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Brightly colored spices (curry, paprika, cinnamon, etc.)
- Dark beer
- Iced tea, sweet tea
- Brightly colored jams and jellies
- Red pistachios
- Dark sodas (Coke, Pepsi, Root Beer, Dr. Pepper)
In addition, you should avoid smoking, smokeless tobacco, and vaping after you’ve had your teeth whitened.
Foods That Won’t Stain the Teeth After Professional Whitening
For the first few days after professional teeth whitening, it’s best to stick with foods that will not stain the teeth. Ideas include:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Bananas, pears, golden apples
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Potatoes
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Deli sandwiches
- Pasta with oil-based sauce or white/cream sauce
- Chicken
- White fish
- Shrimp
- Rice
- Milk
- Clear soda (Sprite, 7-Up)
What Makes a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening
Many people are ideal candidates for teeth whitening. Those most likely to have a good result from in-office teeth whitening, include patients who:
- Have yellow or dull teeth
- Do not have dental restorations on the visible teeth
- Do not have extremely sensitive teeth
- Do not have brown stains on the teeth
- Have healthy gums
- Do not have untreated conditions such as dental cavities
Keeping Your Teeth White After Professional Whitening
To maintain the results of your professional teeth whitening be sure to follow these tips.
- Brush your teeth daily for a full two minutes each time
- Floss your teeth daily
- See the dentist every six months for exams and professional cleanings
- Avoid or limit stain-causing foods
- Brush your teeth after eating (rinse with water if you cannot brush)
- Use a straw for brightly-colored or dark-colored beverages
- Use at-home whitening trays as instructed by your dentist
- Use a whitening toothpaste
If you are not a good candidate for teeth whitening, talk with your dentist about other options that may be available for stained teeth. In some cases, a dental crown or cosmetic dental bonding may give you the whiter smile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening
Do you offer financing for teeth whitening?
We accept third-party financing from CareCredit for teeth whitening. We do not offer in-house financing for teeth whitening.
How long will my teeth stay white after professional whitening?
Everyone is a bit different. With excellent oral hygiene habits and regular dental cleanings, you may experience whiter teeth for up to one year. Some people will need to whiten their teeth a couple of times a year to maintain their results.
Schedule a Dental Appointment in Holyoke, MA
If it’s been six months or longer since your last dental appointment, or if you’re interested in whitening your teeth, schedule an appointment at Oakdale Dental Associates in Holyoke, MA. We begin seeing patients at 8:00 am Mon-Fri to best accommodate our busy patients. Call 413-536-1782 or send us a message to request your appointment.