What to Eat, What Not to Eat After Teeth Whitening in Winter Springs?

A dazzling white smile speaks volumes. It exudes vibrancy, youth, and health. It is probably the main reason almost anyone would desire to have a bright smile. Cosmetic dentistry near you is never complete without teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening near you offer much more than just a beautiful white smile. It restores the natural color of your teeth, improves oral health, and makes you appear younger. That’s why our dentist in Winter Springs, Dr. Fabiola Camacho, recommends teeth whitening to our patients seeking to enhance their smile.

So after you get your renewed smile, you might need to safeguard it to ensure that stains don’t undo the wonderful work our dentist has done. It would mean that you might need a touch-up just a few months after teeth whitening.

Our dentists, Dr. Robert Burks, DDS & Dr. Fabiola Camacho in Winter Springs, have gathered some tips to help keep your smile shining bright.

Five Foods to Avoid After Teeth Whitening

Look at some of the food and drinks categories that you need to steer clear of if you want to keep your smile white and pain-free:

• Acidic Drinks and Foods

Almost all the teeth whitening products you will get from your local stores and our dental office contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. During the teeth whitening procedure, the whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide will temporarily weaken the enamel to penetrate the teeth’s inner sections to break down the stains, thus whitening your teeth.

That’s why your teeth become sensitive after teeth whitening. So if you consume acidic foods or drinks after teeth whitening, you will exacerbate the issue. You will increase the discomfort you might already be experiencing if you take acidic foods.

Some foods you need to avoid are citrus fruits, processed meats, tomatoes, etc.

• Beverages and Foods Containing Lots of Sugar

The harmful bacteria that reside in the mouth thrive on simple sugars. So, when you constantly consume these foods, you are providing enough feed for bacteria to thrive. Your chances of getting plaque and cavities will increase, which leads to teeth staining, decay, and eventually tooth loss.

• Foods With Colorants and Dyes

Foods rich in dyes and colorants easily stain the teeth. If you desire to keep your smile bright and white, steer clear of these foods. It doesn’t matter if the color is natural; if it can stain a white shirt or t-shirt, it can stain your teeth. Ketchup, soy sauce, and other food with colorants should be used cautiously.

• Dark-Colored Drinks

Dark-colored drinks have a component known as tannins or chromogens, which are the teeth-staining culprits. When you consume them, your teeth will become easily stained since teeth are porous, and the stains will get stuck in the tiny pores, leading to stains.

So, you might need to cut back on drinks such as coffee, wine, tea, grape juice, etc., if you wish to maintain your bright smile.

• Dark Colored Vegetables and Fruits

You might really love or be a huge fan of dark-colored fruits such as berries, purple cabbages, beets, cherries, etc. But as mentioned earlier, these fruits contain teeth-staining components known as tannins and chromogens.

So, What Can I Eat After Teeth Whitening?

It may seem that your diet has altered so much, but the good thing is that there are still plenty of delicious food options that you can enjoy. These foods and drinks are known as white foods, which you may incorporate daily.

The white diet has foods with high levels of tannins, and most contain nearly the same color as your teeth.

Some of the foods that you can take to help you maintain a brighter smile might include:

• Egg whites
• Water
• Rice
• Fish (preferably white)
• Potatoes (preferably peeled)
• Bananas
• Yogurt (preferably white, with no colors)
• Onions (preferably white)
• White cheese
• Pasta (ensure that you don’t add dark sauces)

Other Tips for the Post-Whitening Period

Watching what you eat is a good strategy, but not the only thing you can do. You might also have to employ other tactics, such as:

Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco products are the most notorious teeth-staining components. They contain two teeth-staining components tar and nicotine. Tar is dark, but nicotine is colorless. However, it turns yellow when exposed to oxygen.

Avoid Cold and Hot Foods and Drinks

Your pearly whites will be sensitive for several days after teeth whitening. Therefore, you might have to give your teeth a breather before you consume anything cold or hot.

Keeping Your Teeth Looking Their Best Year-Round

To maintain a bright smile all year round, you will have to:

• Brush at least twice each day, two minutes after meals, to ensure that every tooth surface is clean
• Floss each day to remove plaque and food debris
• Eat healthy foods that will promote your oral health

Most importantly, it would be best if you didn’t forget to visit our dentist at our dental clinic near you, Dr. Robert Burks, DDS, twice each year. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.