Teeth Whitening: How Diet Affects Your Results
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment designed to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. However, the effectiveness of this treatment doesn’t solely depend on the products or procedures you use. Your diet plays a significant role in how long your teeth whitening results last. By understanding which food and beverages to avoid, you can maintain your white smile for longer.
How Does Diet Affect the Result?
After a teeth whitening treatment, your enamel becomes more vulnerable to stains. For about 48 hours after treatment, your teeth are most susceptible to discolouration caused by certain foods and drinks. High-acidic and deeply pigmented items can penetrate the enamel and cause staining, reversing the effects of professional teeth whitening. This is why it’s crucial to be mindful of your diet if you want to achieve the best whitening results.
Food and Beverages to Avoid After Teeth Whitening Procedure
1. Coffee and Tea
Both coffee and tea are notorious for staining teeth due to their high tannin content. These beverages can quickly discolour your enamel, especially after whitening. If you’re looking to preserve your bright smile, try to limit or avoid these drinks altogether, particularly black tea, which contains more tannins than other types.
2. Wine
Red wine is one of the worst offenders when it comes to staining your teeth. Its deep pigmentation and high acidity make it a double threat. However, white wine isn’t completely innocent either, as its acidity can weaken your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to other stains.
3. Acidic Foods
Highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomato sauce, can erode your enamel, leading to increased staining. Be cautious with lemon juice, oranges, and dishes rich in tomato sauce after your whitening treatment. These foods not only stain but also soften the enamel, which allows other food particles to adhere more easily.
4. Dark-Coloured Foods and Sauces
Dishes containing dark sauces like soy sauce, curry, and beet-based sauces should be avoided. These foods contain strong pigments that can stain teeth quickly. Additionally, red meat and foods cooked in dark sauces are likely to leave your teeth looking dull after whitening.
5. Soft Drinks and Sports Drinks
Soft drinks, particularly dark sodas, are full of acids and sugars that are damaging to your teeth. Similarly, sports drinks are often highly acidic and can also cause your teeth to stain. Both types of beverages should be limited, especially in the first few days after whitening.
6. Sweets and Chocolates
Candies, sweets, and chocolate are not only sugary but can also stain teeth, particularly those with artificial colouring. These foods stick to your enamel and can speed up the staining process.
7. Dark Fruits and Berries
Dark berries, such as blackberries and blueberries, and other dark fruits are healthy but can leave your teeth stained due to their intense pigmentation. Be cautious when consuming berries and beet-based products immediately after a whitening treatment.
8. Fruit Juices
Fruit juices, especially those from dark or highly pigmented fruits, can have the same staining effect as whole fruits. Their high acidity and deep colour make them particularly troublesome after teeth whitening.
9. Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages
Both tobacco and alcoholic beverages can cause significant discolouration. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, stains teeth quickly, while alcoholic beverages like wine and beer contribute to staining and enamel weakening due to their acidity.
Foods That May Be Beneficial After Teeth Whitening
To protect your new white smile, consider adopting a "white diet" for at least 48 hours following your whitening treatment. This diet consists of foods that are light in colour and low in acidity. Examples include:
- White meats like chicken or turkey
- Rice, pasta, and other plain grains
- Milk, yoghourt, and other dairy products
- Cauliflower, potatoes, and other light-coloured vegetables
These foods will help prevent staining while keeping your teeth strong and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Diet plays a vital role in maintaining your teeth whitening results. By avoiding the stain-causing food and beverages mentioned in this blog, you can extend the lifespan of your white smile. Always keep in mind the importance of good oral health and proper dental care after your whitening treatment to ensure your smile stays bright for longer.
For those looking for effective teeth whitening solutions, Oxford White offers best-selling teeth whitening products to help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile.
