Looking in the mirror to see your newly whitened teeth has got to be one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. It’d be a shame to spoil the good vibes with a cautionary warning, but this is one you’ll be glad to know about: for the first few days after your treatment, your teeth are vulnerable to staining pigments. To help maintain their bright shine, you should avoid five foods in particular – at least for a week or so!
#1. Citrusy Fruits
“You mean fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit?” Yep! “But those things aren’t dark or heavy?” Correct again – even though your favorite citrus fruits might not seem like obvious dental stainers, their high acidity can weaken your enamel, making it easier for stronger pigments to settle in. For now, get your fruit fix through milder options like bananas and avocados.
#2. Tomato Sauce
This food, on the other hand, you probably saw coming. Tomato juices are both hard to clean and highly acidic, so it’s best to avoid red pasta sauces for a while. Fortunately, alfredo sauce makes a great alternative, as cheese is packed with teeth-fortifying calcium.
#3. Red Velvet Anything
Red velvet cake, red velvet whoopie pies, red velvet cookies – doesn’t matter! Long culinary story short, most “red velvet” products that you see today have large amounts of red food dye. It stains the batter, and it’ll stain your teeth, too. Until your teeth are less vulnerable, stick to regular vanilla.
#4. Pickles
If you’re a pickle type of person, these acidic cucumbers provide some much-needed moisture and crunch to your sandwiches. If you’re not, well. It’ll be easier to go without them for a week! Plain ‘ol cucumbers and lettuce might not be the same, but they can still help enhance an otherwise dry lunch.
#5. Unfortunately, Chocolate
Most people like to enjoy a good bar of chocolate in one form or another, which is why staining food number five is such a tragedy. Unfortunately, the soft, melty, slightly thick texture sticks to teeth, and the dark pigments are strong enough to discolor your pearly whites. If you need something sweet, go for treats that are covered with yogurt instead, or try decadent recipes like baked dates stuffed with cream cheese.
Remember that avoiding these foods for a short while is for the benefit of your new, shiny smile. Once you’re past the “danger zone,” you can safely enjoy them again – although it would be wise not to consume them in excess. Frequently eating or drinking acidic treats or delicacies with strong colors can cause dental discoloration over time. Consider this food-for-thought and celebrate your teeth whitening results with some smile-friendly snacks!
About the Author
Dr. Omid Mehdipour has been helping patients achieve their dream smiles for nearly 25 years, and his research has been recognized and published by leading scientific journals. You can put your trust in his experience and relax in the friendly office atmosphere as you wait for your teeth whitening appointment. If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your smile bright, Dr. Mehdipour would be happy to address them! To contact his office, call 714-520-8888.
