According to the 2017 Teeth Whitening Statistics done by the Statistic Brain Research Institute, Americans spend almost $1.5 billion per year on teeth whitening products. Teeth whitening products can be a useful tool in achieving the smile you desire and improving your confidence. After you have your teeth whitened, they’ll be more susceptible to staining for a few days post-treatment. Here are some foods to avoid for a while and what you can eat instead.
Types of Teeth Whitening
Picking the teeth whitener that works best for you can be a bit difficult. Not all teeth whitening products work the same way. Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits can include strips, trays, or brushes as well as a whitening substance that usually contains peroxide. Whitening toothpaste removes surface stains and uses abrasives or chemicals to polish your teeth. Your dentist may also offer teeth whitening options such as custom bleach trays, pre-made take home kits, and in-office treatments. Because they use stronger ingredients, professional whitening is typically more effective than at home treatments.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
After receiving teeth whitening treatment, there are certain foods and drinks you should avoid for a while to lessen the chances of restaining your new smile. Some of those foods and drinks include:
- Brown or black drinks such as coffee, dark sodas, and tea
- Red wine and other highly pigmented beverages
- Acidic foods and drinks like pickles, beer, oranges, and other citrus fruits
- Tomato sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and other highly pigmented sauces and condiments
- Blue berries, blackberries, plums, purple cabbage, grapes, carrots, beets, cherries, pomegranates, spinach, or any other vibrant fruits or vegetables
- Food that contains dyes such as fruity candies and colorful breakfast cereals
What to Eat Instead
Now that we’ve established what foods to avoid for fear of staining your pearly whites, what should you eat instead? Some of the foods and drinks we recommend eating instead include:
- Firm fruits and vegetables like green beans, cauliflower, apples, and celery
- Dairy products such as white yogurts and cheeses, milk, and vanilla-based ice creams
- White rice, pasta, and porridge
- Scrambled eggs
- Bananas, coconuts, white onions, and fruits and veggies with similar colors
- Skinless poultry, white fish, and deli meats
- White, crustless bread
- Peeled potatoes
- Regular lemonade
- Sparkling, still, or coconut water
- Cocktails made with clear alcohol and mixers
A few days after your tooth whitening treatment, you can start reintroducing darker foods into your diet. However, the longer you hold off on these foods, the brighter your smile will be!
About the Practice
Dr. Mark E. Lawton earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He has built a team of friendly, talented Houston dental health specialists to aid him in his mission to offer exceptional dentistry for the entire family. He offers a variety of cosmetic services, including safe, reliable teeth whitening. His honest and trustworthy team provides the best care available through a more personalized approach to dentistry. To learn more about teeth whitening, visit our website or call our office at (281) 447-2186.