You and your teeth have been through a lot together, and years of exposure to everything you’ve been eating can leave their mark on your smile. If your teeth have stubborn stains or discoloration, your local dentist can provide you with teeth whitening treatments that can leave your smile up to ten shades whiter. However, your teeth will be especially vulnerable to staining for a few days after treatment. Here are a few foods to avoid after having your teeth whitened to prevent new stains and enamel erosion.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Your newly whitened teeth will need a few days to recover after treatment, and acid exposure can be especially harmful to your smile’s enamel during this period. Enamel erosion can make your teeth uncomfortably sensitive to heat and cold and more vulnerable to decay. A few items to forgo for a few days include:
- Anything pickled
- Citrus fruits
- Pineapples
- Processed meats like cold cuts
Beware Dark Beverages
Perhaps you’re looking forward to a refreshing cup of coffee after treatment or a relaxing glass of wine when you get home. Unfortunately, both of these popular beverages contain acids that can erode enamel and pigments that can become embedded in it. For several days after treatment, avoid dark and/or acidic beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, colas, and sports drinks.
Dodge the Dark Sauces
If you’re like most people, you enjoy Italian food, and you may be looking forward to having some after your teeth whitening treatment. Sadly, tomato sauce like that in pizza, pasta, and lasagna is heavy in acids and pigments that can harm your newly brightened teeth. The same goes for ketchup, barbeque sauce, and soy sauce. Stick to milder and lighter foods and sauces for a few days after you have your teeth whitened.
Keep Away from Dark Fruits and Veggies
Normally, fruits and vegetables are great for your dental health, but many of them contain natural pigments. A brief list of plant matter to avoid eating for a few days after teeth whitening includes:
- Beets
- Berries
- Carrots
- Cherries
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach
- Grapes
- Pomegranates
- Purple cabbage
About the Practice
Crossroads Family Dentistry makes dental visits effective and enjoyable for the people of Forest, VA. Led by Drs. Steven D. Hatch, James M. Peery, III, Samuel E. Woolvine, and Carole Roberts, the staff treats each patient with personalized care in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening. For more information on teeth whitening aftercare, contact the office online or dial (434) 841-1704.