What you can eat after teeth whitening: “white” diet rules

In order to consolidate and maintain the result of teeth whitening for a long time, you need to follow several rules regarding nutrition, daily habits and dental care. This is important since it affects the condition and color of our teeth and, of course, our general well-being. So let’s talk in more detail about what a white diet is, what food you can eat after whitening and what food should be avoided.

Why do you need nutritional correction and a white diet after teeth whitening?

There are several reasons for this.

First, microcracks appear in the enamel after the whitening procedure. As a result, the pigments of the dyes can penetrate inside and affect the color of the teeth and, accordingly, the whitening effect. Therefore, it is better to avoid colorful food and drinks at least for a short time.

Second, after a professional cleaning, hyperesthesia of the teeth, or in other words, hypersensitivity, may occur. This is a reason to avoid solid foods, as well as salty, sour and smoked foods.

Therefore, proper nutrition after teeth whitening allows consolidating the effect of the procedure and avoiding the unpleasant sensations.

Basics of the white diet

As you have probably guessed, the white diet involves eating foods without bright dyes. It is also better to avoid hard, sour and spicy foods.

The white diet is specially designed by dentists and nutritionists to protect the whitened enamel from natural and synthetic dyes and acids, as well as to consolidate the desired whitening result.

Duration of the white diet is 1-3 weeks.

What to eat after teeth whitening?

Here is a list of products that you can and should eat after the teeth whitening procedure.

• Dairy and fermented milk products: milk, cheese, sour cream, kefir, yogurt, etc.
• Fish and seafood. By the way, seafood consumption directly affects the condition of your teeth. Seafood contains calcium, fluoride, phosphorus and iodine, as well as is rich in vitamins D and B1. These components strengthen bone tissue and tooth enamel. Iodine also protects against tooth decay.
• Fruits and berries. Pay attention to those fruits that do not have a bright color and are not acidic: bananas, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, non-acidic apples, white grapes.
• White meat, especially poultry.
• Vegetables and mushrooms. The same rule applies: choose those products that do not have a bright dye. Brussels sprouts, white cabbage or cauliflower (except for red cabbage), potatoes and potato products, celery, asparagus, beans, mushrooms, etc. are useful.
• Cereals, pasta, bakery products, eggs.

Now you know what to eat after teeth whitening.

What should you not eat after teeth whitening?

Here is a list of products that are not recommended for consumption after teeth whitening.

• Red meat, sausages, pickled, smoked meat.
• Red fish.
• Egg yolks.
• Chocolate products, sweets with jam, glaze.
• Colored, sour fruits, vegetables, berries.
• Canned foods.
• Sauces and spices with bright colors: tomato and soy sauces, mustard, curry, etc.

The following drinks are also taboo:

• Black and green tea, as well as karkade.
• Coffee and cocoa.
• Fruit and vegetable juices.
• Carbonated drinks, even colorless ones.
• Alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks.

We also especially recommend that you avoid smoking, at least for a while!

If it is very difficult to refuse a drink, we recommend drinking it through a straw. So its effect on the enamel will be minimal.

General recommendations

Here are some more recommendations for the white diet.

• First of all, it should be noted that you do need to change slightly your diet after teeth whitening, but you don’t need to turn this period into a torment. Adjust your diet for yourself and eat with pleasure.
• If you have doubts about some products (whether they are too colored, hard or sour), it is better to avoid them for a while or pre-cook them. For example, you can peel cucumbers, bake apples and steam vegetables.
• Don’t forget to take care of your teeth thoroughly on a daily basis. During this period, it is better to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and rinse your mouth after each meal.
• Let the period after teeth whitening not be a burden for you, but an opportunity to get rid of bad habits and make your diet more healthy and balanced instead.

If you have any questions, your dentist will definitely answer them before the whitening procedure. If you need teeth whitening in Ivano-Frankivsk, we invite you to a free consultation at Respect Dental Clinic.