Teeth whitening is a godsend and gives your smile an instant boost. The feeling of having a bright, beaming smile cannot be ignored. However, not everyone knows that maintaining this brilliance requires much more than a one-time whitening session.
After teeth whitening, your smile needs protection. Yes, you might be itching to dive right into your new look, but common culprits in foods and drinks will quickly knock the beautiful work. In this blog, we will reveal the seven foods and drinks that dull your teeth and how to avoid them.
Why Your Diet Affects Your Whitening Results
After whitening, your teeth are more sensitive. The procedure opens the pores in your enamel, making it easier for stains to set in. That is why avoiding specific foods and drinks can result in stains on your newly whitened teeth. What you eat directly influences how long your whitening will last.
You might have just gotten a professional teeth whitening in Phoenix. However, if you start consuming the wrong foods, all of your work will be undone in no time. Now, let’s dive into the foods and beverages you need to avoid for that radiant smile.
7 Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Teeth Whitening
Coffee: Coffee is infamous for the staining of teeth because it contains a lot of tannins. These dark pigments seep into your enamel, leaving behind stubborn stains. Avoid coffee for a few days to keep your smile bright.
Red wine: It also has a high acidity level and deep pigments that can easily stain the teeth. That dark colour of wine, as soon as you drink, seeps through your enamel, leaving discoloration.
Sauces Made with Tomatoes: The amount of acid in tomato-based sauces is very high. The color of this sauce in your mouth causes a complete assault on your tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to stains. Avoid them or use them seldom after whitening.
Berries: Though healthy, berries like blueberries and blackberries have deep stains in them. Delicious as they might be, consuming them in large amounts can hamper your teeth whitening process entirely.
Curry: Curry has two things going for it that make it renowned for stains: strong spices and an extremely yellow color. Both can stain teeth, mainly when they are at their most vulnerable stage after whitening. Be cautious with this flavorful dish
Soda & Sports Drinks: The high acidity and sugar content in soda and sports drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth, including decay and stains. Both can also soften the enamel, creating off-color teeth.
Tea, all kinds, but especially black tea: Like coffee, tea also contains tannins that may stain your teeth. Black tea, being darker in color, is way more dangerous for your pearly whites. Rinse after drinking to avoid stains.
How to Keep Your Whitened Smile
Maintaining that pearly white smile after teeth whitening is not as hard as one may imagine. A few basic, easy tips go a long way to help:
- Drinking with a straw helps decrease contact between the liquid and the teeth to reduce the possibility of discoloration.
- Rinse or brush as soon as possible after consuming any of these staining foods. This can help prevent the pigments from settling into your enamel.
- Whitening toothpaste helps maintain your bright smile through gentle surface stain removal.
Maintenance of the teeth whitening effect is what will keep that shine lasting. Avoiding staining food and drinks would go a long way in preserving the bright smile. Not forgetting a good oral hygiene routine, one may consider regular touch-ups.
Do you need more tips on how to keep your smile shining? Schedule a consultation with us today!
FAQs
How often should I get a whitening touch-up?
Every 6 months to a year is ideal for touch-ups to maintain a bright smile.
Does hot food affect teeth whitening results?
Avoid very hot foods immediately after whitening, as they can irritate sensitive teeth.
Can I chew gum after whitening?
Chewing gum is fine, but avoid gums that contain artificial coloring, as they could stain your teeth.
How long after whitening can I eat normally?
You can eat normally after 30 minutes, but it’s best to avoid staining foods for at least 48 hours.
Is it okay to eat sweets after teeth whitening?
Avoid sugary foods, as they can contribute to plaque buildup and staining.
