Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Your Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

Are you getting ready to have professional teeth whitening done? At Mamkin Dentistry Aesthetic & Restorative Center, our providers offer professional teeth whitening to help you achieve your goal of having bright white teeth for a dazzling smile. 

Just as with any medical or dental procedure, there are important facts to know in advance. Teeth whitening isn’t a permanent procedure. While it’s going to last a good long time, the effect won’t last forever. 

What to avoid after teeth whitening

The immediate time frame after teeth whitening is when your teeth are most vulnerable to new stains. You likely already know that certain foods, drinks, and habits can stain your teeth. Though coffee is one of the most well-known culprits, there are others. 

After your treatment, don’t consume beverages or foods during the first 48 hours that could stain your teeth. If possible, wait 72 hours for the best results.

If you do eat or drink dark-colored or acidic foods and beverages right after teeth whitening and your teeth have tiny cracks in the enamel, it can create new stains on your newly whitened teeth that may be impossible to remove. 

Foods and drinks to avoid immediately after teeth whitening

Following are beverages and foods you should avoid for at least the first two days after teeth whitening. 

Dark liquids

Don’t drink any dark beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and juices during the waiting period after teeth whitening. One rule of thumb: Don’t eat or drink anything that would stain a white shirt. 

Beverages with acids

Fruit juices, sodas, and alcohol could harm the bleached enamel on your teeth. You should also abstain from seltzer water. Keep a large container of filtered water nearby to stay hydrated.

Foods with acids

Avoid eating citrus foods, such as lemon, lime, oranges, and acidic foods like pickles or tomato sauce. They can make your saliva too acidic and harm your tooth enamel. 

Dark-colored foods and spices 

We all know the importance of eating colorful vegetables for a healthy diet. However, during the 48-72 hours after teeth whitening, don’t eat foods like color-including berries, lettuce, and other colored vegetables and fruits. The list includes spices like turmeric and cinnamon. 

If you’re a chocoholic, put the box in a closet so you’re not tempted to take a bite. 

Crunchy foods 

Try to avoid crunchy foods that could harm the bleached enamel on your teeth to get the results you’re looking for.

Foods you can eat after teeth whitening

You may be wondering what foods are on the approved list after a teeth whitening procedure. If you stick with a white diet, you should be fine. Following are foods you can eat in the first 48-72 hours after the teeth whitening process: 

• Chicken or fish (no skin or dark sauce) 
• White rice
• White beans
• Pasta with white sauces
• Bread
• Peeled potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Milk
• Plain or vanilla yogurt 
• Egg whites

If you have questions about certain foods you can eat, feel free to consult with our team.

Beverages to drink in moderation

Of course, after the initial waiting period, you can again drink coffee, soda, or your other favorite drinks in addition to your favorite foods. Know, however, that if you resume drinking these beverages regularly, they’ll cause additional staining eventually. 

Call our friendly office staff in Ridgewood, New York, today at Mamkin Dentistry Aesthetic & Restorative Center or book an appointment through our online portal any time to achieve a beautiful smile.