Teeth Whitening in Brampton: Foods & Beverages to Avoid After the Procedure

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure for lightening the colour of teeth and removing stains and discolouration. 

Professional teeth whitening is typically performed in a dental office. It involves applying a bleaching agent (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) directly to the teeth. This is often activated by a specialized or LED light to accelerate the whitening process.

At-home teeth-whitening methods include whitening toothpaste, strips, and trays. These products contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents and are applied over days or weeks. While much less potent than professional treatments, they may still provide results with continued use. 

Let’s look at some foods and beverages to avoid for 48 hours after undergoing the teeth-whitening procedure at our Brampton dental office. 

7 Foods & Drinks to Avoid After Teeth Whitening in Brampton

Here are seven foods and beverages to avoid after getting your teeth whitened: 

1. Coffee

Coffee is one of the most common culprits for teeth staining because it contains tannins (substances that make stains stubborn). Since teeth become more porous after whitening, it is important to avoid tannins.

Coffee’s dark colour and high acidity can also quickly dull your newly whitened teeth. If you can't go without your daily caffeine fix, try drinking it through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. You should also follow up with a glass of water to rinse your mouth.

2. Tea

Like coffee, tea—especially black and dark herbal teas—can stain teeth. Tea also contains tannins, so it's better to opt for lighter teas, such as white or green tea, which are less likely to cause discolouration. Again, drinking through a straw can help reduce staining.

3. Wine

Red wine is notorious for staining teeth due to its deep colour and high acidity. Its pigments can easily cling to enamel, leading to noticeable discolouration. 

Although white wine is lighter in colour, it can also break down the enamel of your newly whitened teeth.

4. Soda

Due to their colour and acidity, dark sodas like cola can stain teeth. Even light-coloured sodas are acidic and can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining from other foods and drinks. It's best to avoid fizzy drinks altogether or limit their consumption.

5. Fruits, Vegetables and Juices 

Certain fruits and their juices, such as oranges, lemons, green apples, and grapes, as well as vegetables like tomatoes and carrots, have a lot of acidity. This can harm tooth enamel and lead to stains or discolouration. Thus, it’s best to avoid them after getting your teeth whitened.

6. Dark-Coloured Sauces

Tomato-based sauces, such as marinara, ketchup, and salsa, are highly acidic and brightly coloured, making them a severe threat to your white teeth. The acidity can weaken your enamel, allowing the pigments to stain more easily. Opt for lighter-coloured sauces, such as Alfredo or pesto, as alternatives.

Soy sauce is dark and rich in colour, making it a prime candidate for staining teeth. Other dark-coloured sauces to avoid are mustard, curry sauces and hot sauces.

7. Sugary Food

Refined sugars found in cookies, cakes, chocolates, and ice cream appeal to bacteria, including those that cause tooth staining. These sugars weaken enamel and can eventually cause decay. Since teeth are more vulnerable and porous immediately after whitening treatments, it's advisable to stay away from these sugary foods for a period of time.

Tips for Maintaining Your Whitened Teeth

While avoiding these foods and drinks is important, there are additional steps you can take to maintain your bright smile:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with whitening toothpaste, and floss after meals to remove food particles. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings at a trusted dentist’s office in Brampton are also essential to keep your teeth healthy and white.

2. Use a Straw

When drinking beverages that could stain your teeth, use a straw to minimize contact with your tooth enamel. This simple trick can help reduce the risk of discolouration.

3. Rinse Your Mouth

After consuming foods or drinks that may stain your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to wash away any lingering pigments. This can help prevent stains from setting in.

4. Avoid Smoking

Smoking is a leading cause of teeth discolouration and can significantly diminish the effects of teeth whitening. Quitting smoking can improve your oral health and help maintain your bright smile.

Maintaining your newly whitened smile requires careful attention to your diet and habits. By avoiding staining foods and drinks, practicing good oral hygiene, and following your dentist's advice, you can prolong the effects of your teeth whitening treatment. Remember, moderation is important – you don't have to completely eliminate your favourite foods and beverages forever. With proper care after teeth-whitening in Brampton, you can enjoy a brighter, more confident smile. If you want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, tooth crowns and white fillings, contact our Brampton dental office.