You’ve just gotten your teeth professionally whitened – congratulations! It’s exciting to have bright, pearly teeth to smile with. Maybe it’s so exciting that you’re looking for ways to help make sure your treatment results last as long as possible.
Look no further than this post! Below, you’ll find some prime examples of foods and drinks to avoid after a teeth whitening treatment. Check them out so you can mitigate foodborne dental staining.
Red Wine
Red wine will stain most objects – it might not come as a surprise to learn that it can also discolor your pearly whites. Avoid drinking it when you can, or, if you have a special occasion to celebrate, take periodic sips of water and rinse your mouth after finishing your glass. Water, like saliva, can help shake up strong pigments and keep them from settling into stains.
Dark Fruits and Vegetables
Unfortunately, even certain healthy foods can tint your smile yellow. Tannins are a compound often found in plants, and are serious stain-causers. Fruits and vegetables like berries, grapes, carrots, beets, cherries, and pomegranates all have enough tannins to reverse the effects of your teeth whitening treatment. Eat them sparingly and opt for milder healthy options like cucumbers or peaches.
Staining Sauces
If you’ve ever cooked pasta or curry, you probably know that even simple sauces can cause harsh discoloration. It’s generally a good idea to keep white, porous tile away from tomato-based sauces, any type of curry, soy sauce, mustard, and other condiments with vibrant hues. Natural teeth are also porous, so make no mistake – they’ll stain just as easily as the tile!
Acidic Culprits
After your teeth whitening, your natural enamel will be weakened for a few days. The problem with acidic foods and drinks is that they also tend to weaken enamel. This one-two-punch makes it easier for tannins and other strong pigments to settle into your teeth as stains; avoiding acids is a must! Foods like lemons, pickles, and processed meat are hazardous for newly whitened teeth, as are drinks like coffee, tea, and soda.
If you can limit your consumption of these delicacies, you’ll be in a good place for helping your teeth whitening results last. These are just diet-related tips, though! Your dentist will likely have more advice for keeping your teeth nice and pearly, so don’t hesitate to ask. Two heads are better than one, after all – even when it comes to dental care.
About the Author
Dr. Jay Lopez has extensive training in cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening. In fact, he can use the advanced Digital Smile Design system, allowing him to plan his patients’ treatments with even more precision and accuracy. If you’re considering teeth whitening or would like more tips for maintaining your smile, Dr. Lopez will gladly provide personalized advice and make sure you’re informed about your dental aesthetics. To contact his office, call 520-886-8090.
