After professional teeth whitening, most people are excited to show off their brighter smile. However, there are some dietary restrictions that you’ll have to follow post-treatment to maintain the results. If you have questions like “How long after teeth whitening can you eat?” or “Which foods should I avoid after the procedure?”, we’ll answer them all in this blog.
Why Do You Need to Be Careful of Your Diet After Teeth Whitening?
During in-office teeth whitening, dentists use strong gels that contain bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
As the whitening agents break down stains, enamel temporarily becomes more porous.
Although it’s a temporary effect, your tooth enamel becomes more prone to staining. That’s why you have to be careful about what you eat and drink.
Patients also have slight tooth sensitivity after whitening for a short time, which is another reason why dentists give special guidelines to avoid acidic, hot, and cold foods or drinks for a few days.
When Can You Eat Normally After Teeth Whitening?
After professional teeth whitening, dental experts say to wait 24 to 48 hours before getting back to your routine diet. Here is what you can expect:
First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after treatment are the most critical. During this time, you should stick to a “white diet” that includes non-staining foods, such as white rice, pasta (with white sauce), yogurt, cheese, and light-colored vegetables.
Just remember that any food or drink that could stain a white shirt could also stain your teeth, so avoid it during this time.
To keep yourself hydrated, plain water is the best option. You can also have clear broths or coconut water.
This gives your teeth the time to recover and reduces the risk of discoloration.
24 to 48 Hours
Most dentists suggest following the same dietary restrictions for the second day as well. You can slowly reintroduce more food items, but it is still better to avoid staining and acidic products.
After 48 Hours
You can get back to your normal diet after this period. Your dentist may recommend reducing the intake of some specific foods and drinks to maintain your results in the long run.
Foods and Beverages You Should Avoid After Teeth Whitening
To maintain the cosmetic results of your treatment, it is recommended to avoid certain foods and drinks, particularly in the first few days. They include:
- Dark and acidic beverages: Coffee, red wine, tea, sodas, and sparkling drinks.
- Pigmented foods: Berries, tomatoes, red peppers, and beetroots.
- Acidic fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges, and strawberries.
- Dark sauces: Soy sauce, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mustard, and tomato-based sauces.
- Foods with artificial coloring: Colored candies, dyed frosting, etc.
Final Words
So, once you get your teeth whitened, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before eating or drinking anything that may stain. If you want further professional guidelines on keeping your smile sparkly white, consult our dental experts at John H. Krell D.D.S. Call (713) 877-1775 to schedule your appointment today!