7 Foods That Will Keep Your Teeth Bright After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Did you recently visit your dentist for a teeth whitening treatment? Whether you chose the in-office route or used a take-home kit, the last thing you want is for stubborn stains to re-surface within a matter of days or weeks. One of the best ways to prevent that from happening is to be mindful of what you do and don’t eat following your treatment. With this in mind, keep reading for seven foods that won’t discolor your teeth (as well as some helpful oral hygiene tips!).

What to Eat After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Simply put, you want to stick to white and light-colored foods as much as possible following your teeth whitening treatment. Here are a few examples:

• Cauliflower
• Plain yogurt
• Light yellow and white cheeses
• White fish
• Pasta with white sauce
• Bananas
• Egg whites

It’s also a good idea to eat crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples and celery. Commonly referred to as “nature’s toothbrush,” these can remove plaque, food particles, and other debris from your teeth, helping keep your teeth nice and white in the process.

What NOT to Eat After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Of course, it’s equally as important to know which foods to avoid. Basically, if it can stain a white t-shirt, it can stain your teeth. That’s why you shouldn’t eat tomatoes, blackberries, marinara sauce, balsamic glaze, or any other dark-colored foods. For the same reason, you shouldn’t drink soda, juice, wine, or coffee. Instead, stick to water; this will keep you hydrated while also preventing food particles from lingering on your teeth.

The Importance of a Solid Oral Care Regimen

Being selective about what you eat and drink is an important part of preventing dental discoloration from resurfacing. However, it’s also essential that you implement a solid oral hygiene regimen. To keep your teeth bright and beautiful, make sure to:

• Brush twice a day – Remember, you should complete this step of your dental care regimen for two full minutes each time, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste, and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily – Since brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth, it’s important that you consistently floss and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash as well.
•  Don’t smoke – Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products of any kind can cause stubborn stains to resurface quickly.
• Prioritize your dental checkups and cleanings – These routine appointments ensure that dental problems are caught in the early stages and that surface stains are removed periodically.
• Get touch-up whitening treatments as needed – Although the results typically last anywhere from a few months to several years, you can help prolong them significantly by scheduling touch-up whitening treatments as needed.

After investing your valuable time and money in professional teeth whitening, it’s only natural that you want to enjoy the results for as long as possible. Fortunately, you can with the above best practices! If you have any questions about keeping your brilliant teeth bright, ask your dentist at your next checkup and cleaning appointment.