Teeth whitening is a great way to make your smile look fresh and bright. However, after the procedure, your teeth become more sensitive. The enamel covering your teeth gets slightly weakened during the whitening process. This makes your teeth more likely to absorb stains. To preserve the whiteness of your teeth, it is best to avoid the consumption of certain foods and drinks.
Here are eight foods you should avoid after teeth whitening near you.
1. Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are the most consumed drinks that can cause teeth discolouration. They contain dark pigments and tannins, which can easily stain the enamel. As a result of this, your teeth are more sensitive than normal and can get stained easily. If you drink coffee or tea, it is recommended to swallow the liquid from a straw and then rinse your mouth with water.
2. Red Wine
Red wine and other deeply coloured drinks can easily stain your teeth. It is also acidic, which can weaken the enamel even more. White wine is slightly better, but it can still damage the enamel. If you want to preserve your teeth, it’s best to avoid wine for a few days after whitening.
3. Dark-Coloured Sauces
Sauces like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce can stain teeth because of their deep colours. Tomato sauce is also acidic, which makes the enamel softer and easier to stain. If you want to eat something with flavour, try light-coloured sauces like olive oil or white sauce instead.
4. Berries and Berry Juices
Berries, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are healthy, but they have strong natural colours. The chromogens in these fruits can stick to the enamel and cause stains. Even berry juices, such as cranberry juice, can discolour your teeth. Dentists at a dental clinic near you recommend choosing fruits like bananas or apples that are lighter in colour to help maintain a bright smile after teeth whitening.
5. Sodas and Energy Drinks
Sodas and energy drinks contain acid and artificial colouring, which can damage and stain the enamel. Dark sodas, like cola, are especially harmful. Even clear sodas can weaken your teeth due to their high acid content. It’s best to drink water or milk instead.
6. Sweets and Chocolates
Sugary foods, like chocolates, candies, and more, can stick to your teeth and cause plaque buildup. Dark-coloured candies can also stain your teeth. Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to cavities. Try to avoid consuming sweets for a few days to protect your teeth.
7. Citrus Fruits and Juices
Fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain citric acid, which can make your enamel weaker. This makes your teeth more likely to absorb stains from other foods. If you want to eat fruit, choose less acidic options, like pears or watermelon.
8. Beetroot
Beetroot has a deep red colour that can leave stains on your teeth. Even a small amount of beet juice can colour your hands and lips, so imagine what it can do to your teeth. It’s best to avoid beets until your enamel recovers.
How Long Should You Avoid These Foods?
Most dentists recommend avoiding consuming foods for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening in Edmonton. Some experts suggest waiting up to a week for the best results. During this time, follow the “white diet,” which includes foods like rice, chicken, potatoes, dairy products, and more.
Whitening your teeth is an investment in your smile. By avoiding intake of these foods, you can keep your teeth looking bright for a longer time. If you follow your dentist at a dental clinic in Edmonton advice and take care of your teeth, your white smile will last for a long time.
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