Teeth whitening is a common step toward producing a picture-perfect smile. It uses a laser to bleach each of the surfaces, boosting their natural appearance and causing unsightly stains to fade. However, in order for the treatment to work, you have to watch what you eat in the days following. Here’s a closer look to help you ensure the proper level of care.

A Guide to Eating After Teeth Whitening

Why Change Your Eating Habits? 

The whitening process expands the enamel so that it can better absorb the bleach. This can take up to 48 hours to set, which means your teeth will develop pores and become susceptible to staining. Eating food that’s either dark in coloring or that produces a known residue could jeopardize the finish. 

What Can You Eat and Drink?

Altering your diet for the next few days will increase the treatment’s chances for success. Lean meats, such as chicken and fish, are ideal for the fact that they don’t produce a lot of juices. Make sure to stick with white sauces, as these won’t contain any ingredients that could mark up your teeth. 

Rice and pasta are also safe because the grains aren’t known to stain. Continue to use caution, especially considering that certain products may feature molasses or food coloring to alter their hue. Another option is lightly-colored fruits and vegetables. The soft textures of pears and potatoes will lower the risk of damage and help to preserve appearances. 

What Should You Avoid?

Beverages, like coffee, tea and wine, are at the top of the list of foods to avoid. This is because they have a dark pigmentation that clings to the surface of your teeth and causes a slight discoloration. Chocolate is another item that should be left out of the diet for the next few days. The tannins that produce its signature flavor are known to stain and could easily reverse the whitening treatment. 

You should also watch out for dishes that contain paprika, turmeric or cinnamon. These spices feature a coloring that causes them to linger on the teeth. Any amount of exposure could jeopardize the appearance of the enamel.

If you’re considering a teeth whitening treatment, reach out to Kevin L. Ragsdale D.D.S., P.C. in Dalton, GA. This local dentist has more than 30 years of experience and provides cosmetic dentistry services for every member of the family. His team is highly trained and utilizes the latest equipment, customizing each session to suit their client’s needs. Call (706) 275-6631 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for additional information on their services.