48 hour white diet

Our whitening journey doesn’t end in the chair — it continues with you! To keep your smile bright and beautiful, we’ll work together. With the right aftercare and a few simple dietary tweaks (hello, white diet!), we can make your results last longer and shine even brighter. Teamwork makes the smile work!

Knowing what to eat after teeth whitening is CRUCIAL. 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 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, and 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 widely recommended approach. Skip anything with pigmentation for now. Below are some drinks and foods that fit with the white diet.

Water

Acidic drinks and foods bring down the pH level of your oral cavity. The goal is to maintain a pH level of around 7, which is similar to the pH level of your natural saliva. Drinking water is a great way to rebalance the pH of your mouth, protecting against decay, and also helps rinse off any stains on 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.

Milk or Unsweetened Coconut Water

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.

White Fish and Poultry

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 of staining your teeth. 

Juice, Soft Drinks, Tea and Coffee

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 this 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 in tomato-based sauces, turmeric, curries etc. Foods with colourants pose a staining risk and can damage your whitened teeth. 

Condiments with Colourants

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.

Cold Treats with Dye

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

Alcoholic Beverages

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

Other Ways to Protect Your Teeth After Whitening

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 the following good diet choices for the long term. Your teeth will be stronger and healthier when 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.