Professional teeth whitening can give you a sparkling smile and boost your oral health, but to keep it that way, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat for a few days afterward. This blog will tell you what to avoid and what’s safe to eat after your teeth whitening treatment, helping your bright smile last longer.
Foods to Eat After Teeth Whitening
After teeth whitening, you’ll want to be careful about what you eat to avoid staining your new pearly whites. Many dentists recommend a “white diet” for the first few days. This means sticking to light-colored foods that are less likely to stain. Here are some good options:
Breakfast after Teeth Whitening
Many breakfast favorites are already “white diet” friendly. Here are some safe options:
- Scrambled eggs: Especially with just egg whites (avoid the yolk’s color).
- Porridge: Simple and gentle on your whitened teeth.
- White yogurt: Plain or with minimal fruit added.
- White bread: Toast is okay, but consider removing the crust (it can harbor stains).
- Bananas: A healthy and sweet way to start your day.
Lunch after Teeth Whitening
Lunchtime doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some ideas that won’t stain your smile:
- Sandwiches: Use white bread (crust optional) with lean protein like chicken or turkey. Skip dark spreads or jams and opt for creamy white sauces instead.
- Bagel with cream cheese: A simple and satisfying choice.
- Pasta: Stick to light-colored sauces like white sauce or pesto.
- Boiled rice with protein: Pair your rice with white fish or another light-colored protein source.
Dinner after Teeth Whitening
Here is what you can have in your dinner after teeth whitening:
- Protein: Stick to light-colored options like chicken, white fish, or tofu. Avoid red meat and dark-colored vegetables.
- Sides: White potatoes (peeled) are a safe and nutritious choice. Skip sweet potatoes and black beans. White onions are okay for flavor.
Snacks after Teeth Whitening
Snack options after teeth whitening include:
- Healthy options: Plain, white yogurt, fruits like apples, bananas, and pears.
- Treats: White cheese sticks are a delicious and safe snack.
Drinks after Teeth Whitening
Here’s what you can drink after teeth whitening:
- Best choice: Water is your best friend for hydration and rinsing without staining.
- Other options (limit contact with teeth): Milk, apple juice, green tea, and clear sodas (like Sprite) are generally safe when using a straw.
- *Avoid coffee (especially black), red wine, beer, and black tea for at least a week, as they can stain your teeth. Rinse and brush after consuming these drinks to minimize staining once you reintroduce them.
The Bottom Line
When done by professionals, teeth whitening can transform your smile and boost your confidence for years.
If you’re unsure if a specific food is safe to eat after whitening, or if you want to learn more about your whitening options, schedule an appointment with Nimmi Shine Dental of San Diego today by dialing (858) 999-8550. We’ll explain how teeth whitening works, what you need, and how we can help.
