If you’re considering a teeth whitening treatment, you must know what you should avoid eating afterward. The article lists the foods and drinks that can stain your teeth again and make them appear darker than before.
The Difference between Teeth Whitening and Bleaching
The main difference between teeth whitening and bleaching is the time the treatments work. Teeth whitening usually only takes one or two treatments to see results, while bleaching can take up to four or more treatments to achieve the desired level of whiteness.
Another difference between the two treatments is the type of bleaching agent used. Teeth whitening typically uses a hydrogen peroxide gel applied to the teeth for one or two minutes. Bleaching, on the other hand, uses a stronger concentration of bleach (usually carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) which is applied to the teeth for up to an hour at a time.
Finally, it’s important to note that bleaching is considered a more aggressive treatment than whitening and may cause some sensitivity in some people. You should stick with teeth whitening if you have sensitive teeth.
What You Should Avoid Eating After Tehing Whitening
There are a few foods and drinks that you should avoid after teeth whitening, as they have the potential to stain your teeth. These include:
Coffee: Coffee is one of the most common teeth-staining culprits. The dark color of coffee can quickly cause your teeth to become discolored. If you must drink coffee, try limiting yourself to one cup daily and brush your teeth immediately afterward.
Tea: Like coffee, tea can also cause your teeth to become stained. If you enjoy drinking tea, opt for lighter varieties such as white or green tea.
Red wine is another beverage that can easily stain your teeth. If you do drink red wine, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with water afterward.
Soda: Soda is loaded with sugar and can also contribute to tooth staining. Diet sodas are a better option to avoid staining, but even these should be consumed in moderation.
Berries: Berries are notorious for causing tooth staining. If you enjoy eating berries, brush your teeth afterward or rinse your mouth with water.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain an acid that can cause tooth enamel to erode. This can lead to serious dental problems, so it’s best to avoid consuming tomatoes altogether.
Foods You Can Eat After Teeth Whitening
There are a few things to keep in mind after you whiten your teeth. For the first 24 hours, avoid foods that are dark in color, like coffee, tea, and red wine. These can stain your teeth. Also, avoid acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sports drinks. They can erode your tooth enamel. After 24 hours, you can start eating these foods again but be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Tips for Successfully Brushing Your Teeth
1. Rinse your mouth with water before brushing.
2. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush.
3. Aim the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and use gentle circular motions.
4. Be sure to brush on the inside surfaces of your teeth and to use a light back-and-forth motion on the chewing surfaces of your molars.
5. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
6. Rinse your mouth with water again and gargle if necessary.
