What Can I Eat After Teeth Whitening? Dos & Don’ts

Getting teeth whitening treatments at a professional dental clinic in Toronto is one of the best ways to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of and boost your confidence when showing your teeth.

After your in-office treatment it is very important to take care of your smile as this can help your whitening results last longer.

To do this, you'll want to avoid certain foods that can lead to staining.

You might be wondering, "So, what can I eat after teeth whitening?"

In this article, you will find helpful information from our cosmetic dentists about what foods to eat after your whitening treatment.

Why should you be careful about what you eat after whitening your teeth?

Teeth get stained and discolored from certain foods and drinks over time. 

Take coffee, for example—lots of people enjoy it in the morning, but it can stain your teeth.

Unfortunately, teeth whitening treatments are not immune to certain foods and drinks.

When you get your teeth whitened, a dentist or hygienist uses products with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 

These ingredients break down into smaller pieces that can sneak into the enamel and dentin, making it easier to lift stains. 

After a whitening treatment, your enamel might get a bit more porous and sensitive for a while.

This means that the tiny enamel tubes in your teeth are more open, making them susceptible to absorbing pigments from food and drinks. 

If you consume highly pigmented or acidic items, your teeth may soak up these colors, which can result in new stains and diminish the brightness achieved through the whitening process.

Best Foods to Eat After Whitening Your Teeth

After whitening your teeth, eating light-colored food low in carbs, sugar, and acidity is the best option. 

You must follow a “white diet”

Breakfast Choices:

• Plain Yogurt (Greek yogurt is an excellent choice as it often has less sugar)
• Scrambled Eggs (Scrambled eggs or egg whites have little yellow pigment that could stain your teeth)
• Bagels: (Without dark fruit jellies)
• Oatmeal: /Without sugar or cinnamon)
• Cereals (Look for unsweetened cereals with skim milk)

Lunch and Dinner:

• Sandwiches (Use light-colored condiments, like mayonnaise)
• Lean Proteins (Chicken or turkey are great low-color, high-protein choices)
• Tofu is also an option. 
• White Rice.
• White Fish.
• Pasta (Best with white sauces, like Alfredo)
• White Vegetables (Use white veggies like cauliflower, onions, and mashed potatoes)

Snack Options:

• Hummus.
• Low-Acidity Fruits (Sweet apples, bananas, and pears are low in acidity and refreshing)
• White Cheeses.
• Crackers.
• Celery.

Beverages:

• Water.
• White Tea.
• Milk (Skim milk is low in sugar)

Avoid These Foods and Drinks After Teeth Whitening 

Teeth can get stained from acids, tannins, and chromogens, which are found in some foods and drinks. 

After whitening your teeth, it's best to avoid these items for about 2 days because your teeth are more sensitive during this time.

The foods and drinks to avoid include:

• Coffee & Tea: These drinks have tannins that can stain your teeth quickly after whitening, so it's a good idea to cut back or use a straw.
• Wine: Both red and white wines can damage your teeth's color and enamel due to their acidity and pigments.
• Soft Drinks: These sugary, fizzy drinks can wear away enamel and contribute to stains.
• Dark Fruits: Fruits like raspberries and blackberries can stain and weaken enamel, so it's wise to avoid them for a couple of days. 
• Candy & Chocolate: The sugars in these can lead to decay and discoloration, making them best to avoid just after whitening.

Extra Tips to Protect Your Teeth After Whitening

After whitening your teeth, it’s important to take steps to keep them bright and protect them from sensitivity and stains.

• Avoid smoking, as nicotine can cause enamel to discolor and lead to yellowing of your teeth.
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that may contribute to staining.
• Keep up with regular brushing and flossing to ensure your teeth stay clean and free of plaque buildup.
• While teeth whitening treatments can brighten your smile, they work best when paired with routine dental checkups and cleanings. 

Conclusion

Teeth whitening consistently ranks as a top cosmetic dentistry procedure each year at Junction Family Dental Care, which is why we handle these questions weekly. 

We suggest following a white diet for the first two days after your teeth whitening treatment. 

After that, pay attention to the foods and drinks you consume, as some can stain your teeth more than others. 

This awareness will help you avoid these things and keep your teeth looking white for as long as possible.

If you’re ready to brighten your smile with teeth whitening in Toronto, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us!