Modern dentistry has given us a range of safe and effective cosmetic dental treatments, and teeth whitening is one of the most popular among them. Since professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can leave your smile up to eight shades whiter, you’ll undoubtedly want to do what you can to preserve these impressive results. Since your teeth will be temporarily more vulnerable to developing new stains after this treatment, here’s a brief guide to a few excellent foods to enjoy while your enamel is recovering.
Colorless Cuisine Can Help Preserve Your Smile’s Bright Sheen After Teeth Whitening
Generally, it’s best to stick to foods and beverages that are mild in flavor and white or clear in color for a few days after receiving teeth whitening. A few excellent choices include:
- Light beverages such as water, coconut water, milk, and white lemonade
- White foods like fish, chicken, potatoes, rice, yogurt, bananas, egg whites, and pasta with white sauce
Foods to Enjoy After a Few Days Have Passed
You can begin reintroducing dark and acidic foods to your diet in moderation after a few days have passed since your whitening treatment, but enjoying certain foods can go a long way toward preserving the shiny brightness of your beautiful smile. These include:
- Chewy or crunchy veggies: Cauliflower, celery, and carrots are fibrous foods that require a lot of chewing, and they can safely help scrape your teeth clean as you munch on them.
- Strawberries: While these berries are colorful, they are also high in an enzyme called malic acid that helps keep teeth whiter.
- Apples: These fruits are firm, crisp, and low in added sugar, and chewing on them can help remove harmful debris from the teeth.
- Cheese: Dairy products are rich with nutrients like lactic acid and calcium that help keep teeth white. Chewing on firm cheeses can also help rub staining agents away from the teeth.
How Else Can I Keep My Teeth Bright After Teeth Whitening?
The best ways to preserve the results of your teeth whitening treatment are to make wise eating decisions, avoid overindulging in dark, sugary, or acidic foods and beverages, see your dentist regularly, and practice excellent oral hygiene at home. These habits prevent the buildup of stain-causing agents within the mouth as well as accumulations of harmful bacteria, plaque, and food debris that can cause destructive oral infections.
Teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to brighten almost anyone’s smile. After a brief consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if this amazing cosmetic dental treatment can be suitable for you.
About the Author
Dr. Danny Hayes earned his dental doctorate at the Temple University School of Dentistry and stays abreast of the latest developments in his field through continuing education coursework. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Chesterton offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact his office online or dial (219) 926-7595.