If you're unhappy with the brightness of your smile, teeth whitening is a good option to restore your appearance. After a dentist performs the procedure, you'll naturally want to maintain your pearly whites for as long as possible. Your diet can actually play a role in the brightness of your enamel, so you must choose foods carefully. Here are a few tips to keep you on track. 

Foods to Eat

In general, any white or light-colored food and drink will not harm your smile. When it comes to protein, poultry like chicken or turkey typically don't cause dental discoloration, provided they're not served with a dark-colored sauce or gravy. White fish, including cod, bass, and tilapia, is also a great dinner selection. In addition to being free of harmful pigments, fish is also a healthy addition to any diet. When seeking a side dish to accompany dinner, stick with rice, pasta, or potatoes. 

As for breakfast and brunch selections, egg whites will help maintain your smile while also providing the proper nutrition. Certain cheeses are also acceptable, provided they don't contain any colors or pigment. When it comes to beverages, make water a staple of your diet. Water rinses away plaque and bacteria, which boosts your appearance as well as your oral health. 

Foods to Avoid

Your dentist will probably provide a list of foods to avoid after teeth whitening. Deeply pigmented beverages, such as coffee and red wine, are bound to cause stains on enamel. These beverages also have a high acid content, which softens enamel and makes it more susceptible to stains. Accordingly, you should also steer clear of sodas and sports drinks. 

Dark sauces are also problematic, including soy sauce or tomato-based sauces. While berries are good for you, they can also stain your teeth. This is especially true of blueberries, as their dark blue pigment can cause substantial staining when eaten on a regular basis. You don't necessarily need to cut these foods out of your diet completely, but they should be consumed in moderation to keep your smile bright and healthy. 

Since 1980, patients throughout Dunkirk, NY have relied on North Chautauqua Dental for optimum oral care. These dentists offer a wide range of cosmetic procedures to restore your confidence and self-esteem. In addition to teeth whitening, they also perform bonding, crowns, implant restoration, and so much more. Along with their reliable dental services, patients also love the relaxed office atmosphere and friendly staff. Learn more about what they offer by visiting the website, or call (716) 366-6822 to schedule an appointment today.