5 Things to Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth (2024)

March 25, 2021

5 Things to Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth (1)Professional teeth whitening is a great investment to improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence. However, it's important to understand that your teeth are especially susceptible to discoloration and staining immediately after teeth whitening. Thus, what you do after teeth whitening, especially in the first 48 hours after treatment, determines how well your results will last. The following are some ways you can optimize your investment and get the most out of the in-office teeth whitening treatment.

1. Avoid drinking colored beverages

Like most people, you might enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of red wine. However, colored beverages can stain your teeth.Choose better alternatives, like clear alcohol, white wine, milk, coconut milk, and water. However, if you can't live without your morning coffee, drink it through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

2. Don't eat dark colored food

Similar to colored beverages, there is also a wide range of food to avoid after whitening your teeth. These include: dark-colored sauces (e.g. tomato or pasta sauce), colorful spices (e.g. curry, turmeric, paprika, etc.), chocolate and colored candy (e.g. M&Ms, Skittles, etc.), and highly pigmented vegetables, fruits, and berries (e.g. beets, tomatoes, pomegranate, etc.) A good rule of thumb is that if it can stain a white shirt, it will stain your teeth. Instead, opt for light-colored food, such as cauliflower, pasta, white fish, cheese, grilled chicken breast, and tofu.

3. Avoid acidic food

During the teeth whitening procedure, your tooth enamel is slightly weakened due to the bleach. Beverages and food with high acidic content, such as citrus fruit, pickled food, and processed meats, can further weaken your enamel. This can lead to even more sensitivity and increased risk of re-staining. Stay away from acidic food for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening, to minimize discomfort and protect your freshly whitened smile.

4. Brush your teeth regularly

Even after teeth whitening, you still need to brush your teeth regularly to maintain the pearly white color. Sensitivity is common after teeth whitening, so brush your teeth with a soft bristled tooth brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. To alleviate sensitivity, also try toothpaste and mouthwash that are specifically made for sensitive teeth.

5. Cut out tobacco use

Smoking or chewing tobacco is not just extremely harmful to your health, but is also a major contributor to teeth staining and discoloration. To keep your teeth from re-staining after a teeth whitening treatment, avoid tobacco products, at least for the first few days after whitening.

If you are interested in a professional teeth whitening consultation, call our office at (925) 705-7093 or request an appointmentonline.

5 Things to Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth (2)

Tags:teeth whiteningdietoral healthdental cleaningcosmetic dentistrydental hygienedental healthsmokingtooth stains

5 Things to Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth (2024)

FAQs

5 Things to Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth? ›

Staying away from hot spices, acidic foods and beverages, smoking cigarettes or using chewing tobacco products, as well as avoiding certain medications like Tetracycline or antihistamines can help you achieve the best results after a professional teeth whitening procedure in Robstown.

What you Cannot do after teeth whitening? ›

Avoid Staining Foods

Greasy, colored, or acidic food has a damaging effect on the enamel, which can become even more pronounced after teeth whitening causing staining. Examples of staining foods to avoid after teeth whitening include: Red Meat. Colorful spices like turmeric curry, paprika, etc.

How long until I can eat normally after teeth whitening? ›

When the dentist whitens teeth, your teeth can become sensitive to different foods that can stain. After 24-72 hours, you can resume your regular diet. The following are the things that you need to avoid after teeth whitening. Sugary foods can irritate your teeth and trigger the bacteria responsible for causing decay.

What not to eat and drink after teeth whitening? ›

To avoid this from happening, stay away from the following ten foods and beverages for at least the first 48 hours after treatment.
  • Teas and Coffee. ...
  • Red and White Wines. ...
  • Dark Fruits or Vegetables. ...
  • Sugary Treats. ...
  • Fizzy Soft Drinks. ...
  • Tomatoes and Tomato Sauces. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices.
Aug 8, 2022

What substance should be avoided after the teeth have been whitened? ›

Dark-colored beverages: Drinks like coffee and tea are loaded with caffeine which can result in stains on teeth. Even red wine should be completely avoided post-whitening procedure.

How long do teeth pores stay open after whitening? ›

The pores slowly close over the next two to three days, but during that time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining from foods and drinks. For at least the first 48 hours, it's best to avoid darkly colored foods and drinks, including berries, coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce.

Do teeth turn yellow again after whitening? ›

The level of whitening obtained depends on the bleaching agent's concentration in the gel and how often you use the strips. Results can last for several months, but over time, factors like diet and oral hygiene may cause teeth to regain some of their original color gradually.

What happens if I accidentally drink coffee after teeth whitening? ›

Coffee can also stain the teeth and lead to uneven whitening due to its acids. It's best to avoid or limit drinking coffee or other beverages high in caffeine after your teeth whitening treatment.

How long does it take for teeth to heal after whitening? ›

Teeth whitening and dental cleaning remove this barrier, albeit temporarily, and open the enamel's pores in the process. It takes 24 hours for the layer to regenerate and as such, the longevity of whitening hinges on the 48 hours following the procedure. Keep the following tips in mind.

When can I brush my teeth after teeth whitening? ›

Immediate Aftercare: Wait for at least an hour after the whitening procedure before brushing. This time allows your enamel to recover without causing any sensitivity. First 24 Hours: For the initial hours after whitening, avoid brushing to give your teeth time to settle.

Can I eat bananas after teeth whitening? ›

Dark fruits such as blueberries and dark fruit juices like grape, tomato and cranberry should also be avoided because of their powerful staining ability. Bananas, however, will not stain your teeth – so do not hesitate to grab a second one of these tropical fruits!

What can I drink in the morning after teeth whitening? ›

Water is the recommended drink as part of the white diet during the 48 hours following teeth whitening treatment. However, other beverages with a low risk of staining include sparkling water, skimmed milk, tonic water, and gin.

Can I eat scrambled eggs after teeth whitening? ›

Breakfast. Consider having eggs preferably scrambled to ensure the bright yolk is not as harsh on your teeth. You can have a bagel with cream cheese or butter but avoid jams and jellies. Non-sugary cereals with milk or plain and vanilla flavored yogurts or banana smoothies are also helpful.

What teeth Cannot be whitened? ›

If your teeth have any signs of decay or worn enamel, then you may also experience sensitivity if you undertake treatment. Additionally, you should note that if you have crowns or veneers, then these will not be whitened by the teeth whitening process.

How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›

Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.

How long does teeth whitening stay in your system? ›

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as six months, and it varies from person to person. It won't last as long if you indulge in things that stain your teeth, such as: Smoking. Dark liquids like red wine, coffee, and tea.

What are the dos and don'ts during teeth whitening? ›

Keep in mind, the less you indulge in “staining” foods and drinks, the longer your results should last. You don't need to give up staining foods completely, but you do need to avoid them when you are doing teeth whitening. Coffee, tea, wine, blueberries, dark-colored sodas and fruit juices are big-time stainers.

What are the guidelines after teeth whitening? ›

Get The Most of Your Teeth Whitening Procedure With These After...
  • Avoid eating coloured foods. ...
  • Avoid smoking. ...
  • Avoid eating acidic foods. ...
  • Avoid cold or hot foods and beverages. ...
  • Invest in toothpaste for sensitive teeth. ...
  • Avoid sugary foods. ...
  • Eat foods that are good for your teeth. ...
  • Keep sugar-free gum handy.
May 20, 2024

How long should you wait to brush your teeth after whitening? ›

​Risks of Brushing Teeth Too Soon After Professional Whitening. After professional teeth whitening, cosmetic dentist in Providence, RI recommend waiting a bit, usually about 6 to 24 hours, before brushing your teeth to avoid any damage to the enamel.

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