How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Eat Normally?
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The first 48 hours after your teeth whitening treatment is when your teeth are particularly susceptible to not only sensitivity, but also staining. Therefore, you should be cautious of what you eat and drink during this time period. We additionally recommend being mindful of your daily lifestyle and eating habits after your teeth whitening treatment has finished. This will help to keep your new smile looking bright and dazzling for longer.
The first 48 hours
So, how long after teeth whitening can I eat normally? Whether you have had your treatment carried out in a private dental clinic or doing your teeth whitening at home, the answer remains the same. During the first 48 hours, your teeth will probably feel quite sensitive. To diminish discomfort, try to avoid consuming anything too hot or too cold that can trigger your teeth sensitivity. Stick to lukewarm temperatures if possible. This time period is also when your smile is at its most susceptible for discolouration. That is why we recommend consuming as much light and white-coloured food and drinks as possible (something also known as the ‘White Diet’). Sticking to the ‘White Diet’ after teeth whitening helps to protect the vibrancy of your new smile. If you have any concerns about cutting certain foods from your everyday routine, consult with your doctor or dietician prior to your whitening treatment.
Top 10 teeth-staining food and drinks to avoid
There is no denying that certain elements of our diet stain teeth at an accelerated rate, or contain sensitivity-inducing sugar. What food and drinks are particular culprits of this?
- Tea
- Coffee
- Tomato-based sauces
- Pigmented fruits and vegetables, for example, berries
- Chocolate
- Soy sauce
- Red wine
- Colourful spices, for example, turmeric
- Sweet potatoes
- Cola
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
- Citrus fruits
- Mustard
- Red meats
Try to limit your intake of the aforementioned food and drinks for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening. Did you know? Tobacco is another major contributing factor of tooth discolouration. Try to avoid!
What can I eat after teeth whitening?
One of the easiest ways to identify is something is suitable to eat is with the ‘White Shirt Test.’ If it landed on your top, would it leave a stain? If the answer is no, then it is most likely suitable for consumption, like the following:
- Chicken
- White fish
- Turkey
- Water
- Milk
- Yoghurt
- Plain white rice
- Porridge
- White cheese
- Plain pasta
- Non-buttered bread
- Basic white potatoes
- Bananas
- Egg whites
- Clear broths
Post-teeth whitening meal ideas
Struggling for meal inspiration after your teeth whitening treatment? Here are some ideas on what you are able to eat throughout the day.
Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
A bowl of non-sugary cereal with any type of milk. | Clear broth with a couple of slices of non-buttered bread or rice. | |
Non-buttered toast with a yoghurt and banana on the side. | Plain pasta with a sprinkling of white cheese. | |
Egg white cheese omelette. | White fish served up with a side of rice. | |
A bowl of porridge with banana slices. | A jacket potato with some white cheese. |
How to manage tooth sensitivity after whitening
As mentioned earlier, tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. We recommend using a sensitive toothpaste and making sure that anything you eat or drink isn’t too extreme of a temperature. Try taking your usual over-the-counter pain medication too. However, if the discomfort persists, contact your dentist.
Maintaining your bright white smile
Being mindful of your diet is not the only way to protect the whiteness of your brand-new smile - the following will also help to maintain your results.
- Have a great oral hygiene routine: Brush your teeth twice a day with a high-quality toothbrush and a whitening toothpaste. Remember to floss afterwards.
- Don’t skip the dentist: Attend two routine check-ups and two hygienist appointments per year with your dental clinic.
- Use a straw: This is particularly helpful if you like caffeine. Drinking with a straw helps to limit the contact between the staining liquid and your teeth.
- Top-up your teeth whitening treatment: Yorkshire Dental Suite provides top-up teeth whitening syringes, allowing you to refresh your colour as desired.
Conclusion: Knowing what to eat after teeth whitening is vital, as it will help to minimise your discomfort and protect against staining. If you are unsure as to where to start your journey to a brighter smile, choose Yorkshire Dental Suite’s at-home teeth whitening kit. Our powerful set uses a gel 32 x more potent than the ones found in non-prescription kits available over the counter, guaranteeing gleaming results that last. Enquire today!