Professional teeth whitening treatments from a dentist have allowed many people to enjoy brighter, shinier smiles after many years of stains and discoloration. These professional treatments deliver results far superior to those of store-bought teeth whitening products and can leave a patient’s smile up to ten shades whiter. However, whitening treatments also make the teeth more vulnerable to developing new stains for a few days afterward until the teeth have had enough time to recover. Here are a few foods to avoid after teeth whitening to keep your new smile shiny and bright.
Skip Beverages with Lots of Acid and Pigment
Many people enjoy a fresh cup of coffee as a morning pick-me-up or a nice glass of red wine in the evening to relax after a busy day. Unfortunately, beverages like coffee, red wine, tea, soda, and sports drinks are acidic and contain pigment. The acid will begin to weaken your teeth’s enamel on contact, making it easier for the pigments to bind to it and cause new stains and discoloration. Stick with water as a beverage for a few days after a whitening treatment to protect your newly brightened smile.
Don’t Let Tomato Sauce Stain Your Smile
People love Italian food. Pizza, pasta, and the like make for hearty and tasty meals that are sure to please a crowd, and these dishes usually come with some type of tomato sauce. While a heaping ladle of marinara can give your noodles a zesty, savory kick, tomato sauce is full of acids and pigments that can stain or discolor your teeth if you’ve recently had a whitening treatment. Save celebrating your new smile with a pizza party for a few days after you see the cosmetic dentist.
Blueberries Can Discolor Your Teeth
While blueberries are rich in nutrients like antioxidants, they are notorious for staining clothing, carpeting, and furniture. Similarly, they can leave their mark on your teeth in the form of stains or discoloration if you are not careful. To keep your newly whitened smile from turning slightly purple, hold off on the blueberry smoothies for several days.
The results of a professional teeth whitening treatment can last for several years with proper care and hygiene. By holding off on enjoying these items, you can keep your teeth bright and shiny for all the people you will be smiling at.
About the Author
Dr. Shue Her earned his doctorate at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and continues to pursue advanced training to keep expanding his clinical skillset. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association. His office in Gainesville, GA offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. For more information on how to care for your teeth after whitening, contact his office online or dial (770) 536 6688.