Certain Foods Are Risky After Teeth Whitening; Here’s What to Avoid

Most people’s teeth are naturally a slightly yellowish shade of pearlescent white, but decades of exposure to acids, pigments, tannins, dyes, and smoke can leave a smile with unsightly stains and discoloration. Thankfully, your dentist can address this issue with powerful teeth whitening treatments, but the process will leave your grin more susceptible to staining for a few days. Here are a few foods to avoid while your teeth are remineralizing after teeth whitening treatment.

Acidic Foods and Beverages Will Be Especially Harsh

The teeth whitening process depletes some of the minerals in the enamel, so your smile will need several days to replace them through the natural process of remineralization. Unfortunately, many popular foods and beverages such as soda, juice, alcoholic libations, citrus, and hot sauce are acidic, which means they erode enamel on contact. In the days after your teeth whitening treatment, your enamel will be especially vulnerable to erosion, so it’s best to avoid these items until your teeth have recovered.

Dark or Richly Colored Items Are Stain Hazards

While your teeth are busy replacing their minerals after your teeth whiten treatment, it will be especially easy for new pigment and dye particles to become attached to their enamel. It’s best to avoid foods and beverages of dark or rich color such as:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Cola
• Dark preparations such as soy, barbeque, and tomato sauces
• Berries, including tomatoes
• Colorful candies

What Should I Eat and Drink After Teeth Whitening?

While your teeth are remineralizing after whitening, it’s best to stick to a diet of mild, white foods with minimal sugar such as:

• Chicken
• White fish
• Potatoes
• Bananas
• Yogurt
• Cold or hot cereal

When choosing your beverage after teeth whitening, your best options will always be fluoridated water and unflavored milk. These beverages are non-acidic and free from dyes and pigments, which makes them safe for your enamel. Fluoride is a natural mineral renowned for its uncanny ability to prevent cavities, and milk is rich in the vitamins and minerals the enamel needs to stay healthy and strong.

Don’t let the wrong foods and beverages set back your cosmetic dental treatment. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to preserve your teeth whitening results.

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Eskridge earned his dental degree at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is one of the first dentists in the local area to implement CEREC CAD/CAM technology. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Society, and the Columbus Dental Society. His office in Powell provides general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To learn more about the whitening process, contact the office online or dial (614) 792-0063.