What to Eat (and Avoid) After Teeth Whitening Treatment

What to Eat (and Avoid) After Teeth Whitening Treatment

Everybody dreams of perfect teeth and a bright white smile they can show off in pictures. However, very few people have stunningly white teeth on their own; if you're one of them, you can benefit from professional teeth whitening.

Dr. Gabriel Polo and the Woodland Lakes Dental Studio team in Conroe, Texas, understand your need for a stunning smile. Dr. Polo is an experienced dentist who offers in-office teeth whitening and take-home options for added convenience.

What happens during teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a revolutionary treatment that helps you change the color of your teeth. Various options are available, including over-the-counter strips and professional in-office whitening procedures.

If you're looking for fast results, in-office whitening is best. Over-the-counter options are often unpredictable and take a long time to show results. In-office whitening treatments are an effective way for Dr. Polo to quickly remove even the toughest stains from your teeth.

During your appointment, Dr. Polo applies a protective gel to your gums to keep them safe from the bleaching agent. He then applies the bleaching agent to your teeth and uses a fluorescent light to activate the bleach.

After the bleach has done its job, you can rinse your mouth and look in the mirror to find a bright white smile. The entire appointment takes less than an hour for stunning results. If you’re interested in a more gradual professional whitening process, take-home trays are also an option Dr. Polo offers.

Foods you can indulge in after whitening

Right after your whitening appointment, you may feel hungry or need to eat — and you can. You can enjoy several foods after having your teeth whitened without suffering any negative results. A few of the foods you can partake in afterward include:

Water is the best option after your whitening treatment if you're thirsty. Water is colorless, so you can have as much as you want. You can also drink light-colored drinks that aren't acidic, as the acid can hurt your teeth due to the bleach used during your treatment.

Foods to avoid after treatment

After your whitening treatment, your teeth are beautifully white, and your confidence is high — but how do you keep them that way? Dr. Polo gives you specific instructions on keeping your smile bright and white.

One of the best ways to keep your teeth white after your whitening treatment is to avoid certain foods and beverages such as:

Coffee

If you're a coffee fiend, the bad news is you'll need to avoid it for a few days after your whitening treatment. Coffee is one of the most prevalent causes of tooth staining, so you should avoid it for at least two days after your appointment. If you can't resist, use a straw to bypass your teeth.

Acidic foods

Dr. Polo uses a bleaching agent during tooth whitening, which weakens your enamel for a short time. You should avoid acidic foods like lemons, pickles, soft drinks, and oranges, which can all hurt your teeth in the days after your treatment.

Red wine

Red wine is just as bad for your teeth as coffee when it comes to staining. Although it has health benefits, avoid drinking red wine for as long as possible after your treatment to ensure your results last.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has numerous health benefits, but one of them isn't keeping your teeth white. The good news is you don't have to cut out dark chocolate forever; just avoid it for a week or so after your whitening appointment.

You should also avoid other foods, including dark sodas, dark sauces like soy sauce, and dark fruits and vegetables. If you have questions about what you can eat, don't hesitate to talk to Dr. Polo before your treatment.

If you follow Dr. Polo's instructions, you'll enjoy your new white teeth for months at a time before needing a touch-up.

If you're ready to get a whiter, brighter smile, don't hesitate to call our office today to request an appointment or book one online anytime.

You Might Also Enjoy...

4 Popular Cosmetic Treatments for a Smile You Love

Cosmetic dentistry offers several options if you dream of a stunning smile but need help figuring out where to start. Keep reading to learn about four popular types of cosmetic dental treatments that give you a beautiful smile for life.

How Dental Bonding Guards Against Decay

Tooth decay is a severe problem, especially when you can't control it with brushing and flossing alone. Keep reading to discover how dental bonding helps protect your teeth from bacteria and decay.

5 Key Advantages of Invisalign Over Conventional Braces

If you're looking to straighten your teeth, you have several options, including braces and Invisalign® — but which is better? Keep reading to discover the advantages of Invisalign over braces and how they work to give you a flawless smile.