The allure of teeth whitening is that it creates a bright, vibrant and attractive smile that leaves you looking younger. When professionally done, the results are phenomenal. However, they can be reversed when certain foods and beverages are consumed. Read on to find out what you should avoid to maintain your gorgeous new smile.
Acidic Foods
You’ll definitely want to avoid acidic foods shortly after having your teeth whitened. During the whitening process, your enamel is slightly weakened from the high-powered bleach. Acidic foods can make matters worse, further weakening the enamel. As a result, you can experience sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods.
Here are some of the foods to avoid:
- Tomatoes
- Pineapples
- Processed meats
- Pickled foods, such as sauerkraut or pickles
Dark Sauces
You’ll want to wait on consuming dark sauces, as they are notorious for staining teeth. This includes tomato and soy sauces, mustard and any other darkly colored marinades.
Dark Colored Fruits and Vegetables
A general rule to follow is that any food dark enough to stain a white shirt will do the same to your teeth. You’ll want to avoid the following:
- Beets
- Berries
- Grapes
- Carrots
- Cherries
- Pomegranates
- Purple cabbage
- Dark leafy vegetables
Beverages That Stain
It’s not only food that poses a threat to your newly whitened teeth. You should also avoid coffee, juices and red wine, as they are acidic and darkly pigmented. Sodas aren’t any better. Its high sugar content and carbonation can spell disaster for your teeth. If you’re craving any of these beverages, it’s best to drink with a straw to limit the effects on your teeth.
The Power of Excellent Dental Hygiene
Avoiding foods and beverages that stain is just one part of the maintenance process after teeth whitening. It’s also important to practice excellent dental hygiene.
Here’s what you can do to protect your smile:
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day.
- Floss at least once a day to remove plaque that settles between your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to further aid in the removal of bacteria.
- Drink plenty of water. Not only does it keep your body hydrated, but it also helps to flush away leftover debris and bacteria.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, so that any developing issues that could compromise your smile can be identified and treated.
Having your teeth professionally whitened is like rolling back the hands of time. To maintain the euphoric feeling you get every time you look at a mirror, start implementing the above tips today!
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong is a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry. Since entering the dental field 17 years ago, he has taken over 300 hours of continuing education to further expand his knowledge. Dr. Hong performs teeth whitening to create gorgeous smiles and happy patients at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.