Tasty Tinting: 3 Foods to Avoid After Teeth Whitening

One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is riddled with stains, you’re less likely to make a positive impression. Thankfully, your dentist can provide professional take-home whitening kits that contain everything you need to achieve ideal results from the comfort of your living room.

Then, once you’ve achieved your dream shade, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to maintain it. Continue reading to learn about 3 foods to avoid eating after teeth whitening to preserve your recently upgraded grin!

Food #1: Lemons

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which supports healthy gum tissues, so you might think it’s safe to enjoy them after getting dental work done. However, teeth whitening utilizes concentrated bleaching gels to reduce the appearance of stains, which opens the microscopic pores in your enamel. This allows sensations, like overly hot and cold temperatures, to more easily trigger the tender roots and nerves inside.

Unfortunately, citrus fruits are highly acidic and can erode your enamel, which can also cause sensitivity. If you consume them too soon after whitening, you could increase your discomfort or potentially harm your teeth.  

Food #2: Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another popular ingredient you might want to avoid immediately after brightening your grin. Not only are they acidic, which can thin your enamel and leave you more vulnerable to damage or decay, but they’re also darkly pigmented. If you eat spaghetti or pizza or other foods containing dark tomato sauces, you could re-stain your recently enhanced smile.

Soy sauce, mustard, and other darkly shaded condiments can also cause otherwise-avoidable blemishes.

Food #3: Coffee or Tea

If you’re like an estimated 66% of American adults, you enjoy at least one cup of coffee daily. Many patients count on the rush of caffeine to help them wake up and get moving in the morning or focus on their tasks throughout the day.

However delicious coffee and tea may be, they are also notorious for causing discoloration. They contain tannins, naturally occurring compounds found in many plants that give them their bitter flavor. They’re also darkly pigmented and can cling to your enamel, leaving it looking darker after repeated or prolonged exposure. If you’ve finally achieved the dream color for your smile, you might want to steer clear of these breakfast beverages or minimize your consumption.

Making more conscientious dietary decisions can help you protect and preserve your newly whitened smile!

Meet the Author

Dr. Karen Ho is passionate about helping people improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and is committed to ongoing learning through prestigious institutions, including Spear Continuing Education programs. Today, she has 20 years of experience providing a wide range of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including professional-grade take-home teeth whitening kits. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (408) 558-9444.