You likely had enough of your stained teeth and headed to your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. Whether you did it in-office or with a take-home kit, you now have the pearly whites that you love. However, your smile is a bit more vulnerable to discoloration for a few days after your treatment. To keep your grin bright, here are four foods and drinks that you’ll want to avoid for a short while.
1.) Acidic Foods
Oranges, lemons, pickles, and processed meats may be a tasty treat, but they can spell bad news for your enamel. Eating them can weaken this outer layer, which increases your chance of discoloration. Not only that, but you are likely to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well! Avoiding them can help you preserve your loved results and prevent any discomfort.
2.) Dark Drinks and Sauces
While your teeth may look and feel completely solid and smooth, they actually have tiny pores. Dark pigments can find their way into these small spaces and lead to the stains that bothered you. Coffee, tea, red wine, mustard, and tomato sauce can mess with your pearly whites. They can be harder to wash away, so try your best to avoid them for the time being.
3.) Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are a part of a healthy diet, so it may seem odd that you have to clear your place of them to keep your teeth bright. But that’s because certain ones can tarnish your grin if they are dark enough. Berries, beets, cherries, pomegranates, carrots, and spinach are some culprits that you should be aware of.
4.) Foods Containing Dye
It might not seem too surprising that these items can lead to discoloration. While they are a nice snack after a long day, natural and artificial dyes can mess with your results after treatment. Sports drinks, candy, and popsicles should be avoided to help give your teeth the best shot at staying white for a long time.
In the end, a good rule of thumb is if it can stain a white shirt, then it can discolor your new pearly whites! After a few days, you can enjoy these items above a bit more safely, but it’s still important to keep up with your dental hygiene routine. By brushing and flossing, you can preserve your results and revel in the confidence that they bring.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed earned her dental degree from the UNMC College of Dentistry. With over three decades of experience under her belt, she is happy to give the Lincoln community the highest quality care that they deserve. While a less-than-perfect grin can bother you, she is happy to help you brighten it with effective professional whitening. If you have stains that you want to get rid of, schedule an appointment or call her office at (402) 488-5007.
