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What Can I Eat After Teeth Whitening?

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Food, food, glorious food. Did you know that one of the hottest topics in the dental chairs at Duxton Dental clinics in Christchurch is food? It’s no surprise, teeth are our primary tool for being able to eat! No matter what dental treatment our patients come to our Riccarton dentists for, typically the first question asked is about food, and this is notably true for people who are investing in teeth whitening.

While the best teeth whitening promises to deliver a brighter smile, how you care for your pearly whites after the dental treatment does affect the longevity of the procedure’s effects and is especially important for the first 72 hours. Remember, when you have your teeth whitened, they may be a little more sensitive than normal, so it’s not just the colour of products you need to be wary of.

Foods and drink to avoid after teeth whitening

After you’ve had professional teeth whitening, the teeth become more porous as the dentin layer becomes exposed. Acidic and pigmented foods and drinks are more easily absorbed, which can lead to discolouration.

· Food with natural or added colours: Bolognese, soy sauce, tomato sauces, beef

· Dark or coloured liquids: coffee, tea, coke, and tomato juice

· Acidic drinks: fruit juices, soft fizzy drinks, and alcohol

· Sugary foods: cakes, ice-creams, and sweets

Restrict the consumption of acidic drinks and sugary food in your everyday beyond a teeth whitening procedure to benefit your oral and general health. They encourage the growth of harmful bacteria which lead to gum disease and tooth cavities.

What can you eat after teeth whitening?

Think of foods that would pass the ‘white shirt test’. If you spilt your chosen food or beverage on a white t-shirt, would it leave a stain? This is a helpful rule of thumb for deciding on whether you should risk eating or drinking something.

Here is a list of foods that you can happily eat with low risk to your teeth whitening:

Chicken, fish, or tofu

These light and lean proteins are great for eating after you’ve had your teeth whitened. However, be risk averse when it comes to the choice of sauce. Vibrant sauces and seasoning can be pigment rich, so white sauces are the way to go.

Pasta, bread, and rice

Most pastas, bread and rice are fine to eat. However, be vigilant of the ingredients. Some brands of pasta and bread add molasses or food colouring to make them look darker.

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Again, stick to light coloured fruit and vegetables. Pears, bananas, and apples get the thumbs up, whereas fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes should be avoided. There are plenty of pale vegetables you can eat too, cauliflower, potatoes, and mushrooms – beetroot is of course, not recommended.

Water

Water is the perfect drink to keep you hydrated, boost your oral health and your smile bright.

Being careful about the food and drink you consume helps to maintain your whiter smile (and significantly improves your oral health), but there are other ways to protect your smile after teeth whitening. Visiting your local Riccarton dentist regularly for a check-up is the most powerful action you can take to have a great smile for years to come. To book an appointment call today on 03 348 5488.

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A close up of a woman 's smile with white teeth and pink lips.

How to keep the whiteness of your whitened teeth

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