What Foods Can I Eat After Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Professional whitening can produce brilliant results when you properly care for your teeth. However, it would help if you exercise caution about what you eat and drink in the hours immediately following your procedure.

To avoid causing discoloration to your freshly whitened teeth, many dentists recommend following a "white diet" for the first two days after the procedure. 

After your dentist whitens your teeth, they will be slightly porous due to the bleaching chemicals' effects. The dentin under your tooth enamel becomes exposed temporarily, meaning it is easier for acidic and highly pigmented foods to absorb into your teeth.

In the crucial first 48 hours after teeth whitening, you should consider following these recommendations to protect your teeth from becoming discolored.

Foods Recommended After Teeth Whitening

• Lean Proteins
• Grains and Bread
• Non-Pigmented Dairy
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Water

Food and Drinks to Avoid in the First 48 Hours After Professional Whitening

• Red and White Wine
• Any Acidic Foods or Drinks
• Tea and Coffee
• Soft Drinks
• Chocolate and Candy
• Dark-Colored Fruits
• Yellow Pigments like Turmeric
• All Tobacco Products

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Professional teeth whitening may last as long as one to three years if you take the time to care for your smile. Contrast this with available over-the-counter strips and gels that need constant reapplication and may burn your gums.

The Dentist's Additional Tips to Keep Your Newly-Whitened Teeth Bright

Be sure to brush and floss as your dentist recommends. If your teeth are sensitive after whitening, tell your dentist so they can prescribe rinses and special toothpaste to help you feel better.

Avoid smoking or using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Nicotine can yellow your teeth prematurely, and the stains may resist whitening.

It would be best if you quit using tobacco altogether. This recommendation can be a challenging proposition, but there are many resources in the community to help you overcome it.

Ensure you keep all scheduled appointments with your dentist and hygienist for professional cleanings and comprehensive exams. We can help you preserve your investment in whitened teeth by keeping them clean.

Preserving Your Brilliant Smile

After you have invested your time and money in whitening your teeth, it is understandable that you would want to do everything you can to keep them bright. Follow your dentist's recommendations of what to eat and drink in the first few days after teeth whitening for the best results. In addition, check our expert tips for other ideas on prolonging the effects of your teeth whitening procedure.

Call Blossom Dentistry

You don't have to live with a yellowed, aging smile. We offer expert in-office and at-home whitening and can help you learn how to keep your teeth brilliant for as long as possible. Please call our Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC, office at 202-922-2900 for more information or to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening services.