A professional teeth whitening treatment can cost several hundred dollars, so you probably want to do all you can to get as much value as possible out of your purchase. Therefore, you should be careful about what you eat and drink once you achieve your freshly brightened smile. This blog post explains how to prevent new dental stains. It also discusses some foods that whiten teeth in Lebanon.
Understanding the “White Diet”
If you undergo an in-office whitening treatment, your teeth will be extra-vulnerable to new stains during the first 24 – 48 hours after your appointment. Therefore, you must avoid consuming anything that could darken your smile. Things like coffee, red wine, berries, red meat, tomato sauce, and other highly pigmented foods and beverages are off-limits during this time period. As a general rule of thumb, remember that if it would stain a white t-shirt, it should be avoided.
What you can eat includes anything that is white or unpigmented. Here are some examples of acceptable choices:
- Pasta with white sauce
- Potatoes
- Milk
- White fish
- Chicken
- Plain yogurt
- Bananas
- Egg whites
- White wine
- Water
After the First Few Days
Once the initial 24 – 48 hours have passed, you can expand your food and beverage choices. However, you should continue to limit your intake of anything that has the potential to stain your teeth. When you choose to consume a dark beverage, enjoy it through a straw so it has minimal contact with your teeth.
You can also try adding some foods into your diet that promote whiter teeth. For example, fibrous fruits and veggies, like celery and apples, require a lot of chewing to consume. The chewing action produces saliva and helps to prevent new dental stains. Cheese and other dairy products can also be beneficial for fighting stains. Additionally, you should drink plenty of water because it promotes a clean mouth and can wash away food particles that might otherwise linger on your teeth and cause stains.
A Caution About Acidic Foods
If you Google, “foods that whiten teeth,” you might find information about strawberries and other acidic fruits, such as pineapples. The acid in these fruits can temporarily give the appearance of a brighter smile. It is fine to eat them in moderation. However, you should never make a paste out of them and allow them to stay on your teeth for a long period of time. The acid can wear down the tooth enamel, causing increased sensitivity and other oral health problems.
Maintaining the results of your teeth whitening treatment may require some adjustments to your diet, but your efforts to maintain a brighter smile will be well worth it!
Meet the Practice
The talented doctors at Santavicca Dental Professionals are proud to provide a range of general and cosmetic dental services, including both in-office and take-home teeth whitening. If you are concerned about dental stains, our team would be happy to get you on the path to a brighter smile. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 603-215-7108.