A bright smile is confidence-boosting, but a white smile takes work to maintain. After treatment, your teeth are especially prone to staining.
If you have received teeth whitening in Spruce Grove, you can keep those results longer by limiting certain foods and drinks. Knowing what foods and drinks to avoid and for how long can make a big difference.
What Foods to Avoid
Your teeth are most vulnerable to stains in the 48 hours right after whitening. During this time, avoid intensely colored or acidic foods that can weaken or damage your teeth’s enamel.
Some foods that should be avoided are:
- Dark sauces (orange, soy, tomato sauce, etc.)
- Berries (blueberries, blackberries, cherries)
- Beets
- Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits)
- Dark chocolate
All of these foods will reverse the whitening treatment. If you are not sure what to eat, use the “white diet” and just eat things like chicken, rice, pasta, potatoes, and cauliflower.
What Drinks to Avoid
Drinks are another major source of stains. After receiving teeth whitening near you, make sure to avoid any colourful or acidic drinks.
Some drinks that should be avoided are:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Any soda or cola products
- Sports drinks
- Dark juices (grape juice or cranberry juice)
If you do drink any of these products, use a straw so that the drink does not touch your teeth. Water is always safe, even when receiving teeth whitening for sensitive teeth.
Why Does Whitening Make Teeth Sensitive?
The whitening gel opens up the pores in your enamel temporarily, which can lead to a sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink.
Here are some tips to help manage your sensitivity:
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid hot and cold drinks.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a soft touch to brush
- Rinse with lukewarm rather than cold water
Your dentist in Spruce Grove may also suggest fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel and reduce discomfort.
How Can Your Dentist Help You Keep Results Longer?
Managing sensitivity is important, but a dentist near you can help you manage your teeth to stay whiter longer.
While developing good habits can help your whitening last longer, make sure you have regular check-ups and contact your dental care provider to help monitor the results of your whitening treatment, and they may provide a treatment for a touch-up using similar products.
Potential recommendations from your dentist could include:
- Book a professional cleaning every 6 months
- Re-whitening every 6-12 months for ‘touch-ups’
- Custom trays for at-home maintenance
- Advising you on diet and general oral care
Visiting the dentist regularly will help to protect your investment in whitening.
What are the Habits to Help Your Smile Stay Bright?
In addition to avoiding foods and drinks with teeth-staining properties, consider the following simple habits to help you maintain your bright and healthy smile:
- Brushing two times a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride
- Flossing at least once daily to reach staining areas often less accessible
- Drinking water following a meal to wash away food coloring pigments
- Avoiding smoking or other tobacco products
- Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow
Performing these simple habits each day will provide your teeth a longer duration of whiteness.
Maintain Your Bright Smile
Having your teeth whitened is the very first step to developing a new smile or maintaining an existing one.
Continuing to stay away from certain foods and drinks will help you maintain and enjoy a bright smile for months. Good dental habits can also help maintain your new smile.
Queen Street Dental provides safe whitening treatment options for you and also allows us to guide you with advice on how to help keep your teeth healthy and bright. Come visit us today and take the next step toward your new smile.