Teeth whitening is one of the fastest and most effective ways to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. But what you do after your whitening treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. After whitening, especially in the first 48 hours, your teeth are more porous and sensitive. That means they’re more vulnerable to staining and damage. To preserve your results and protect your investment, it’s important to avoid certain foods and beverages that can undo all that whitening work. Here are the top 5 foods and drinks to avoid after teeth whitening and why.
Dark-Colored Beverages
Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and dark fruit juices (like grape or cranberry juice) are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to staining freshly whitened teeth. These beverages are rich in pigments called chromogens that can easily latch onto your enamel, especially when it’s more porous right after whitening.
Tip: If you can’t skip your morning coffee, try drinking it through a straw and rinsing with water immediately afterward.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Whitening treatments can temporarily weaken enamel, making your teeth more sensitive to acids. Avoid citrus fruits (like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits), vinegar-based foods (like pickles and salad dressings), and carbonated drinks. These acids can erode enamel and increase sensitivity, putting your teeth at risk for staining and discomfort.
Tip: Stick with water, milk, or coconut water during the first couple of days after whitening.
Dark Sauces and Spices
Sauces such as soy sauce, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and curry are known for their vibrant colors and their ability to stain. These sauces can quickly dull your new bright smile, especially if eaten in the critical 24 to 48-hour window after treatment.
Tip: Choose lighter alternatives like white sauces or steamed vegetables with mild seasoning.
Berries and Dark-Colored Fruits
Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and pomegranates may be healthy, but they’re also packed with dark pigments that can stain your teeth. The same goes for smoothies and juices made from these fruits.
Tip: If you do eat berries, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterward (but wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic foods before brushing to protect your enamel).
Colored Candy and Sweets
Brightly colored candies, popsicles, and even some chewing gums contain artificial dyes that can stain your teeth just as easily as natural pigments. Sticky candies can also cling to your teeth, making it harder to clean them thoroughly.
Tip: Opt for sugar-free gum or white chocolate if you’re craving something sweet.
After teeth whitening, your smile looks radiant, but it also needs a little extra TLC. Avoiding dark, acidic, and highly pigmented foods for the first 24 to 48 hours can help protect your results and extend the brightness of your smile. Stick to the “white diet” – think white rice, plain chicken, cauliflower, milk, and pasta with white sauce – to keep your teeth looking their best.
About the Practice
Would you like to improve your look through cosmetic dentistry? At Forever Young Dentistry Bayside, we have a whole host of solutions for you if you’re looking for that special glow-up. From veneers to metal-free dental crowns and more, we’re your one-stop shop to get your pearly whites shining brilliantly. Schedule your appointment today online or call us at (586) 277-0080.