If you are getting ready for tooth whitening treatment, then you probably are looking forward to dazzling results. But are you aware that what you eat in the hours after the treatment can have an adverse effect on the results?

In the first forty-eight hours after the treatment, your teeth will be fairly porous. Teeth whitening products used during the treatment contain a stronger solution (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide). The treatment duration is inversely proportional to the percentage of peroxide applied on the teeth.

Usually, your teeth are a bit dehydrated and sensitive. The porous teeth are more likely to absorb pigment than they should otherwise. This is precisely why foods that are dark and colored should be avoided. Though whitening treatment is a safe procedure, it is important to avoid certain foods and drinks that can ruin the gorgeous new smile during the post-whitening window. Therefore, Edmonton Smiles, a dental clinic in Edmonton, has outlined the prohibited list of foods and beverages.

Coffee

Are you addicted to your morning cup of coffee? And you do not want to miss it even after the treatment? Well, get it straight- if coffee can stain your shirt it can stain your teeth as well. It’s a rule of thumb that is true for coffee. Coffee is one of the common causes of tooth staining. It contains ingredients called tannins, which are a type of polyphenol that breaks down the water molecules. Tannin causes color compounds to stick to your teeth. When these compounds stick to your teeth, they often leave an unwanted yellow hue behind. Maybe this is the reason that you need to get your teeth whitened in the first place. We recommend avoiding coffee during the whitening process. Or if you just can’t go without you can drink it with a straw.

Red Wine

The average Canadian drinks about 20 bottles of wine each year, which amounts to 15 liters per person. Besides the purported health benefits of a daily glass of red wine, it is a nice way to relax after a long day at work, but, like coffee, red wine leads to tooth staining. Red wine contains polyphenols. Though polyphenols help to fend off harmful bacteria in the mouth and have other health benefits, it will stain your teeth. It is best to avoid the glass of red wine for as long as possible after the treatment to preserve the effects.

Dark Chocolate

Along with the distinctive, delicious taste, dark chocolate has amazing antioxidant benefits. That said, it can still ruin your newly whitened smile. Avoid having dark chocolate during the whitening process and for the first week after your treatment.

Sauces

The tint of some curries, sauces, and mustard sometimes stain your teeth due to dark pigments present in them. Restrain from eating these foods during the whitening process and for a few days after.

Acidic Foods

Teeth whitening treatments include mild bleaching of enamel. The bleaching agents used in the whitening treatments can weaken tooth enamel in the short term. Thus, causing sensitivity. Therefore, oranges, lemons, limes, pickles, soft drinks, etc. can increase the acidity of your saliva. This can, in turn, harm your teeth and should be avoided to protect the enamel. These foods should be avoided during treatment and for a few days after.

Berries

These foods provide health benefits such as antioxidants. However, they have the potential to stain your teeth too. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries contain hue which causes deep staining. Regardless of whether you eat it whole, as juice, or even as processed jelly and jam.

In case you consume any of these foods and beverages by chance, don’t worry. Just rinse your mouth well, brush your teeth gently, and the impact should be minimal.

Foods That Are Safe for Your New Smile

It’s an easy enough rule to remember: eat only white, beige, and light food right after the whitening treatment. It applies to the beverage as well. Here are certain foods that are allowed after teeth whitening.

  • White vegetables- Cauliflower, peeled potato, etc
  • White meat- Boiled chicken, steamed fish, crab meat, etc. Make sure that you do not cook them in dark sauces.
  • Clear beverages- Still/sparkling water, soda water, white wine, etc.
  • Non acidic fruits- Bananas, apples, pears, etc.

There are do’s and don’ts during and after whitening. A healthy diet and a change of habits can prevent tooth stains and preserve your smile. You can protect your teeth from discoloration by minimizing the consumption of these foods and drinks. Of course, you may not be keen on giving up everything on this list for 2-3 weeks. Try to be at least cautious about what you eat.

Visit your dentist to understand the diet post-whitening treatment better. The dentist will explain you in details how these foods affect the coloration of your teeth. The advice can help you to discipline yourself to avoid these foods and beverages after the treatment. Book an appointment today!

Posted in Clinical Advice and Oral Health Tips