Professional teeth whitening treatment has the potential to remove years of built-up pigmentation and leave your smile looking several shades brighter. Of course, getting your teeth whitened will not make them impervious to new stains. If you want to maintain your results for as long as possible, you need to make smart choices about how you care for your smile. For example, you should avoid certain foods and gravitate toward others. This blog post offers tips on how to eat to maintain a bright smile.
Eat a White Diet for 48 Hours
For the first 48 hours after an in-office whitening treatment, dental professionals usually recommend a “white diet,” which includes foods and beverages that are pale in color and unlikely to stain your teeth. This period is critical because your enamel may be more porous and susceptible to absorbing pigments in the window immediately following your treatment. Here are some foods that should be safe to consume:
- Plain yogurt
- Egg whites
- Chicken or turkey (without sauces)
- White fish
- White rice
- Cauliflower
- Bananas
- White bread
- Pasta with light-colored sauces
- Water
- Milk
Foods that Promote a Bright and Healthy Smile
After the initial 48-hour window, you can start to introduce more foods, but it is still wise to prioritize those that support oral health and help keep your smile bright. Certain foods naturally help clean your teeth or provide nutrients that strengthen enamel and gum tissue. Here are some examples of foods to include in your diet:
- Apples and pears can stimulate saliva production and help wash away food particles.
- Celery and carrots, along with other crunchy vegetables, act as natural abrasives and clean tooth surfaces.
- Cheese helps to neutralize acids and provides calcium.
- Leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that support gum health.
- Strawberries contain malic acid that may help whiten teeth naturally. (Some internet influencers use a “hack” that involves making a paste out of strawberries and applying it to the teeth. This is not a good idea because it exposes the teeth to acid for a long period of time.)
Foods to Limit
To preserve your bright smile, it is essential to limit foods and drinks that are known to cause staining or weaken enamel. Even after the first few days, vigilance is key in preventing discoloration and maintaining the longevity of your teeth whitening treatment. Try to moderate your intake of:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark-colored sodas
- Tomato-based sauces
- Berries like blueberries and blackberries
- Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
Whenever you do consume these items, rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush your teeth after 30 – 60 minutes.
Your diet plays a big role in how long the results of your teeth whitening treatment will last. Make smart choices so your smile can keep shining!
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of highly skilled dentists, Drs. Hornstein and Schlessel, our team providers a broad range of services, including in-office and take-home teeth whitening. If you are ready to brighten your smile, or you have questions about how to minimize new stains, we would be happy to consult with you. Contact our Beachwood office at 216-595-1710.