What To Avoid After A Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular over the years, with so many people now having the procedure done at the dentist. Professional teeth whitening in our dental clinic is 100% safe and can help you to feel more confident about your smile.

Your teeth will be more sensitive, and prone to staining within the first 48 hours, so you should be careful with what you eat during this time. Here are a few things you should definitely avoid doing if you’ve just had your teeth whitened.

Tea and coffee

It may seem obvious, but avoid tea and coffee at all costs! Tea can actually be worse than coffee and staining will return significantly with every cup you drink. If you can’t go about your day without your caffeine boost, try to add as much milk/water as possible to minimise the staining effects.

Wine

Especially red wine. Because of its acidity and dark colour, it is not a good idea to drink red wine after having your teeth whitened. White wine may not stain your teeth, but the acidity can damage your enamel.

Fizzy drinks & fruit juices

These are both super sugary and acidic, also causing damage to your enamel. Just like sweets, which are also a big thing to avoid, post teeth-whitening. Especially sweets and drinks that might change the colour of your tongue and teeth!

Tobacco

Tobacco is known for causing major staining, so be sure to avoid this after a whitening.

So, what can I do?

It’s important to eat things that are not full of tannins and acids, but this list of foods is low in both of these, making them a good post-teeth whitening option:

●    Chicken, turkey or fish

●    Rice and pasta

●    Eggs

●    Onions and potatoes

●    Bananas

●    Yoghurt

●    Porridge

●    Milk

●    Bread

Foods that are white, light in colour and just less acidic in general will be less likely to stain. Dairy can also be a good way to strengthen your teeth and reduce decay.

Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash can also be helpful during this time, as it strengthens your enamel and helps to prevent tooth decay.

Aftercare

If you want to keep your new, sparkly smile looking fresh, maintaining good aftercare is vital. If you don’t maintain a good aftercare routine, your pearly whites may lose their shine over time, so it's a good idea to follow up with your dental hygienist.

After a teeth whitening, your teeth are likely to be sensitive for up to 48 hours afterwards, so avoiding stain prone foods for this time period is wise. If you’re suffering from sensitivity during this time, you can use a sensitive toothpaste to help relieve the sensitivity.

Our team

Here at Acorn Dental Health, our range of treatments and services range from cosmetic dentistry to dentures to facial aesthetics. If you are interested in our services or want to find out more, you can contact us today with any queries.