Foods to Avoid After In-Office Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening at your dentist's office is one of the most convenient and effective options for brightening up a dull or stained smile almost instantly. However, it's important for patients considering in-office teeth whitening to know how to properly care for their teeth after whitening treatments — including what foods and drinks to avoid — to keep their smile looking its best for as long as possible. At Alliance Family Dentistry in Naples, FL. Dr. Dasha Frias Landa and our caring team will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions that can help protect your newly whitened smile, along with a list of staining food and drink items to avoid — like coffee, tea, red wine, and others. Keep reading for further details about our Zoom teeth whitening system, post-treatment instructions, and additional dietary changes you may need to make to avoid new stains after teeth whitening.

Is professional teeth whitening better than at-home whitening strips?

There is no question that professional teeth whitening, like the Zoom teeth whitening system and products used at our office, offers superior results and fewer side effects compared with over-the-counter whitening kits. Not only can in-office teeth whitening with Zoom target deeper stains and enhance whiteness by up to multiple shades in a single treatment, but patients typically find it more comfortable and experience less sensitivity than is reported with store-bought whitening products.

How can I keep my teeth white after Zoom treatment?

Once you see your newly white and bright smile, you'll probably want to know how to keep it looking its best for longer and how to avoid new stains after teeth whitening. In addition to brushing, flossing, and keeping up with your regular dental exams and cleanings, you can also help to preserve your teeth whitening results by paying close attention to foods and beverages that can cause staining.

What foods and drinks can stain my teeth after whitening treatments?

The same foods and drinks that may have been responsible for your stained teeth prior to treatment can also re-stain your teeth after whitening treatments. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid after teeth whitening if you want to keep your smile whiter for longer include:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Dark sodas
• Tomato sauce/marinara sauce
• Beets
• Soy sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dark berries

If you do eat or drink something that is associated with dental staining, be sure to brush and/or rinse as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of discoloration.

Are there any other things I should avoid after getting my teeth whitened?

In addition to avoiding staining drinks and foods, patients may also consider temporarily avoiding things that could exacerbate sensitivity, as the teeth may be slightly sensitive following whitening treatments. These can include:

• Acidic foods, like citrus fruits and pickles
• Candy
• Sweets
• Sugary foods
• Ice cream

While not a food or drink, keep in mind that smoking is also a primary cause of stained or yellow teeth and should be avoided both to keep your teeth looking their best and for the benefit of your oral health and overall health alike.

Get a dazzling smile you can love to show off with professional teeth whitening in Naples, FL

If your teeth are beginning to show your age thanks to staining or discoloration — or if dietary and lifestyle habits have aged your teeth beyond your years — you may be excited to learn about the stunning smile transformations that can be achieved with professional teeth whitening. Call today to schedule your consultation or teeth whitening treatment in Naples, FL with Dr. Dasha Frias Landa and our caring team at Alliance Family Dentistry.