What to Eat After Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments can leave you feeling more confident and flashing a brighter smile. But as you walk out of your appointment with your teeth whitened, you may wonder, “What should I eat after teeth whitening?” Maintaining that dazzling white smile takes some post-whitening care, and one of the most significant factors is your diet. Let’s dive into what dietary choices you should make (and what to avoid) to keep your newly whitened teeth looking their best.

Why Your Diet Matters After Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments make your porous enamel more susceptible to staining during the first 48 hours. This is why professional advice tailored for you often suggests being mindful of your dietary choices during this period. Selecting the right foods will help protect your whitening results and ensure a brighter smile for longer. Including snacks like white cheese sticks can also help maintain the brightness of your newly whitened teeth.

The “White Diet”: What It Is and Why It’s Essential

The “white diet” involves only light-coloured foods that won’t stain your teeth. It’s not about limiting your options but rather choosing foods that protect your newly whitened teeth. Here’s a guide on what to eat after teeth whitening.

Friendly Foods for Your Brighter Smile

These nutritious options will not only keep your teeth stain-free but also promote oral health:

White Fish: Baked or grilled white fish is a great protein source that won’t stain your teeth.
Egg Whites: A classic choice, egg whites are nutritious and won’t interfere with your whitening results. Scrambled eggs (using only the whites) can be a go-to meal.
Plain Yoghurt: Choose white yoghurt over fruit-flavoured ones. It’s perfect for a snack and helps maintain healthy teeth.
White Cheese & Cheese Sticks: White cheese, including mozzarella and cottage cheese, won’t leave a mark on your teeth and comes packed with calcium, promoting tooth enamel strength.
Creamy White Sauces: Swap tomato sauce for creamy white sauces, like Alfredo, to avoid staining your teeth.
White Bread: Opt for plain, untoasted white bread, which is less likely to stain than its wholegrain or toasted counterparts.
Sweet Potatoes: Unlike brightly coloured foods, sweet potatoes are gentle on your enamel and rich in nutrients.
White Onion: Unlike its red cousin, white onion is a safer choice for those who want to protect their teeth’ enamel.
Non-Sugary Cereals: If you enjoy a morning bowl of cereal, opt for white, non-sugary cereals to maintain a whiter smile.
Cream Cheese: A versatile spread for bagels and sandwiches, cream cheese is soft and beneficial for enamel protection.

How Long Should You Follow the “White Diet”?

A common question people ask is, “How long should I follow this diet?” Typically, you should maintain the “white diet” for at least 48 hours after having your teeth whitening treatment. For the best whitening results, some professionals advise extending it to one week, allowing your teeth to settle and harden.

Stay Hydrated with the Right Beverages

Drinking plenty of water is vital for flushing away food particles and protecting your whitening results. White wine, although alcoholic, is a safer option than red wine in the early days after a teeth-whitening procedure. You may also enjoy light-coloured fruit juices like apple juice, but avoid brightly coloured ones like orange or cranberry juice.

What Not to Eat After Teeth Whitening: Foods and Drinks to Steer Clear Of

While your diet can include plenty of tooth-friendly foods, there are some items you should avoid entirely:

Dark Fruits & Juices

Fruits like berries, grapes, and cherries are notorious for leaving dark stains on teeth. Avoid them and their juices in the first 48 hours after your teeth whitening treatment.

Tomato Sauce & Green Pesto

Though delicious, tomato sauce and green pesto are brightly coloured foods that can cause unwanted stains on your teeth. Instead, opt for creamy white sauces when preparing your meals.

Red Meats and Dark Sauces

Red meats and dark sauces, such as barbecue and soy sauce, should be avoided. The pigments can stain teeth enamel, diminishing the effects of your whitening treatment. Instead, consider lighter proteins like white fish or chicken.

Coloured Drinks

Certain beverages are notorious for causing stains, including:

Red Wine: This drink is best avoided if you want to maintain your bright smile.
Green Tea: Despite its health benefits, green tea can stain teeth if consumed in large quantities.
Drinking Coffee: This might be tough, but coffee is a major culprit in tooth staining. If you can’t live without your morning brew, consider drinking it through a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.
Soft Drinks: Dark soft drinks and cola are acidic and can stain your teeth. If you must indulge, use a straw and rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

How to Maintain a Balanced Diet While Protecting Your Smile

Maintaining a balanced diet after having your teeth whitened doesn’t mean giving up all your favourite foods. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need without compromising your whitening results:

Incorporate Healthy Fruits: Choose lighter-coloured fruits like bananas, apples (without the skin), and pears. These fruits offer many health benefits without the risk of staining.
Opt for White Cheese Varieties: Enjoying white cheese and cheese sticks adds variety to your diet while supporting strong, healthy teeth.
Include Egg Whites: Versatile and nutritious, egg whites can be cooked in many ways to suit your taste, whether scrambled, boiled or as an egg-white omelette.

Maintaining Healthy Teeth and a Whiter Smile Long-Term

Once you’ve completed the initial period of the “white diet,” you can gradually reintroduce certain foods. However, it’s wise to remain cautious with your dietary choices to prolong the effects of your professional whitening treatment. Here’s how you can support your teeth whitening treatments over time:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing regularly are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth. Use toothpaste designed for whitening to help combat surface stains.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups

Keep up with your routine dental visits. Your dentist can provide professional advice tailored to your needs and suggest whitening options that suit your lifestyle.

Use a Straw

When consuming stain-causing drinks like coffee or tea, use a straw to reduce contact with your tooth enamel. This simple change can make a big difference in preserving your whitening procedure results.

The Role of Professional Whitening Treatments in Your Bright Smile Journey

Remember, achieving that bright smile isn’t solely about what you eat after teeth whitening. The professional teeth whitening treatment itself plays a significant role in delivering the whiter teeth you desire. Teeth whitening procedures vary, from over-the-counter kits to professional teeth whitening options available at your dentist’s office. If you’re looking for long-lasting, noticeable results, professional teeth whitening is the way to go.

FAQs About What to Eat After Teeth Whitening

How long should I avoid certain foods after teeth whitening?

It’s recommended to avoid stain-causing foods and drinks for at least 48 hours, but for the best results, try extending this to one week.

Can I drink coffee after teeth whitening?

It’s best to avoid coffee during the first 48 hours, but if you must have it, drink it through a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.

Are fruits safe to eat after teeth whitening?

Yes, but choose light-coloured fruits like bananas, peeled apples, and pears, as they’re less likely to stain your teeth.

Is it okay to eat bread after whitening treatment?

Yes, stick to plain white bread instead of wholegrain or toasted varieties to prevent any potential staining.

Can I drink alcohol after my whitening treatment?

Clear or light-coloured alcoholic beverages like white wine are safer, but it’s best to avoid red wine as it can stain your teeth.

What snacks are safe to consume?

White cheese sticks, plain yoghurt, and non-sugary cereals are great snack options that won’t affect your whitening results.

Can I eat eggs after teeth whitening?

Yes, egg whites are an ideal food option that won’t cause staining, making them perfect for the post-whitening period.

How can I maintain my whitening results long-term?

Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid dark-coloured foods and drinks when possible, and consider using a straw for stain-causing beverages.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Whitening Procedure

Adopting the “white diet” and limiting stain-causing foods and drinks will help you enjoy significant improvements in your whitening results. By following these dietary guidelines and incorporating friendly foods, you’ll maintain a radiant, bright smile and protect your teeth enamel from unnecessary wear and tear.

Eating the right foods after your whitening treatment is key to preserving that fresh, bright smile. Stick to the light-coloured foods recommended, maintain good oral health practices, and keep your teeth looking their best for months to come.

Now that you know what to eat after teeth whitening, you’re well-equipped to maintain your pearly whites. Enjoy the perks of a beautiful, confident smile!

If you have any concerns or questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to MyHM Dentist at (02) 9158 6379 With the right care and attention, your new smile is closer than you think.

References:

Dhillon, A. (2019, October 2). Foods That Stain Teeth. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-that-stain-teeth

National Health Service. (2023). Teeth Whitening. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-whitening/

Rosebud Endoscopy Centre. (n.d.). The White Diet. https://rosebudendoscopy.com.au/pdf/white-diet.pdf

Oral Health Foundation. (2020, September 3). 10 Foods and Drinks with Surprising Oral Health Benefits. https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/10-foods-and-drinks-with-surprising-oral-health-benefits

What to Eat After Teeth Whitening: Your Guide to a Bright and Healthy Smile