Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a graduation, or a job interview, having white teeth will help you feel more confident in your smile. professional teeth whitening can do just that by lifting years’ worth of stains from your pearly whites. In the first 48 hours after you have your teeth whitened, it’s crucial to make sure that you eat the right foods. Read on to learn about foods and drinks to have after teeth whitening to make your results last.
What is the White Diet?
In the first two days after a professional teeth whitening treatment, it’s recommended that you avoid highly pigmented foods and beverages as well as acidic ones in favor of items that won’t cause your new smile to become discolored again. This is because professional whitening leaves your teeth more porous than usual. Because of this, the dentin beneath the enamel will temporarily be exposed.
This is why the “White Diet” is recommended. This is a short-term plan for keeping your smile bright. It consists of white and lightly-colored foods and drinks. It allows you to limit the number of pigments and dyes that come into contact with your teeth until they become less porous once more.
Things to Avoid on the White Diet
There are several foods and drinks that will need to be avoided on the White diet, including:
- Red wine – This alcoholic beverage can stain your teeth and is also highly acidic.
- Coffee and tea – Both of these classicbeverages contain tannins that can quickly stain your pearly whites.
- Sodas – The pigments in colas and other dark sodas can stain your teeth. Soda is also incredibly acidic.
- Candy – The refined sugars in candy can lead to a range of issues, including discoloration.
- Dark fruits – The pigments in cherries, plums, berries, and other highly pigmented fruits can lead to unwanted stains on your teeth.
- Tobacco – Chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes can leave stains on your teeth, therefore undoing your whitening results.
What to Eat and Drink on the White Diet
Now that you know what foods and beverages you should avoid consuming for the first 48 hours after having your teeth whitened, what should you have instead? A few foods and drinks to have after teeth whitening include:
- Light-colored fruits and veggies like bananas, pears, cauliflower, potatoes, apples, and mushrooms
- Dairy products like white cheese, milk, and plain yogurt
- White proteins like fish, chicken, and tofu
- Clear drinks like water or coconut water
- Rice, bread, and pasta
Even though you’ll need to hold off on the sodas for a little while after having your smile brightened, there are still several foods and drinks to have after teeth whitening. By following the white diet for the first 48 hours, you can come out on the other end with a gorgeous grin!
About the Practice
Located in Midlothian, Legacy Dentistry treats their Texas patients with a wide range of procedures to protect, repair, or improve the look of their smiles. If you feel insecure about your smile and wish it was brighter, they offer professional teeth whitening services that can have your smile looking better than ever in no time. They can also teach you what foods and drinks to have after teeth whitening for the best results. For more information or to set up an appointment with Legacy Dentistry, visit their website or call their office at (972) 723-1148.