THE WHITE DIET

Knowing what to eat after teeth whitening is essential. We will let you know some of the best practices to follow during your visit. As the teeth whitening procedures involve opening up the enamel tubes of the teeth they can be more sensitive and susceptible to stain and it can be  crucial to be cautious post-whitening of what you eat and drink.  

It is best to avoid food and drinks that could stain your teeth for 24-48 hours after whitening as the teeth are at higher risk of staining until the enamel tubes are closed. Some well known culprits for leading to discolouration are tea, coffee, red wine.

So, what should you consume when it’s time to eat and drink again?

You can consume many things after a teeth whitening without harming the results. In general, the “white diet” is a popular recommendation. Skip anything with pigmentation for now. Below are some drinks and foods that fit with the white diet.

Acidic drinks and foods bring down the pH level of your oral cavity. The goal is to keep it around a seven pH level, about the same level as your natural saliva. Drinking water is a great way to rebalance the pH of your mouth to protect against decay as well as help rinse off anything that may stain your teeth. Look for bottled water with a pH between 7 and 9 for best results. Running slightly more alkaline is okay as it is acidity that causes premature erosion.

These drinks won’t stain your teeth and are a better alternative to juice or fizzy drinks if you’re after something other than water.

Have some white fish or unseasoned chicken. Both these foods are a great source of protein and are at no risk of staining your teeth

Toast, Crackers, Bagels, Yogurt and Cheese

Some simple snacks after a teeth whitening service include toast, crackers, bagels, yogurt and cheese. Each of these items provides little risk to staining your teeth. 

Stay away from anything too acidic, rich in sugar or containing pigmentation. For best results, stay clear of the drinks and foods listed below for at least 48 hours.

Tooth decay and staining are risks when you drink juice or fizzy drinks. The natural and artificial colouring especially in some juices and soft drinks (red and orange particularly) can lead to increased risk of staining.Tea, and coffee can stain your teeth and are best to be limited straight after whitening your teeth. If you do drink these bright coloured or staining drinks consider using a straw or drinking water after to help reduce the risk.

Foods with Colourants

Avoid any food containing a colourant after whitening treatment, whether natural or artificial, as they can increase the staining risk to your teeth. Orange based colours should especially be avoided such as those un tomato based sauces, turmeric, curries etc. Foods with colourants pose a staining risk and can damage your whitened teeth. 

Do not forget that any condiments including sauces or salts with colourants are also at risk of staining your teeth. It would be best to avoid ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, pasta sauce, or any other dark coloured sauces.

An ice block, slushie, or ice cream snack might sound harmless, but some  contain dyes that can also increase stain risk to your teeth. Steer clear of dye-containing snacks and beverages after you’ve had your teeth whitened. 

It is best to minimise alcohol after teeth whitening treatment, especially stay away from red wine, coloured pre-mixed drinks and beer to reduce staining risk.  

Think of your teeth like a white t-shirt. What could cause it to stain? Stay away from any food or drink on that list. For the most part, that means anything  orange, red, dark or acidic. Sugary snacks and beverages are also good to avoid. . 

Consider following good  diet choices  for the long term. Your teeth will be stronger and healthier eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Keep high sugar, brightly coloured foods and drinks as treats only. Stay away from super low pH beverages to keep your teeth strong. Even after your teeth have settled after  whitening , these drinks should be avoided for optimal dental health.