After teeth whitening, the white diet seems to be something simple and obvious. After all, it is enough to eat products only in shades of white and watch out for strong dyes to enjoy a brightened smile for as long as possible. In practice, however, it is the case that when you leave the dentist’s chair with white teeth, you think that this is the end of whitening. And, horror of horrors, you go for black coffee and a chocolate cake.
Teeth after a specialized teeth whitening procedure are particularly susceptible to catching dyes from food. Until they hydrate well, they accumulate all the discoloration that comes from what you eat and drink. Therefore, after whitening, absolutely follow the rules of the white diet! How long should we follow the white diet after whitening? What are the rules?
White diet – what is not allowed?
Simply put, any colourful meal or drink is not recommended after bleaching. Remember especially that the list of prohibited ingredients includes:
- Dark fruits, such as blueberries, blueberries, raspberries, currants, blackberries, cherries and juices, jams or preserves prepared from them;
- Colorful vegetables, e.g. spinach, broccoli, beets, carrots, tomatoes and preserves made from these vegetables;
- Dark meat: beef, pork, game;
- Fruit yogurts;
- Colouring spices such as: cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, curry;
- Coffee, tea, cocoa;
- Red wine;
- Chocolate and dark cakes and sweets.
If you experience temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening:
- give up hot and cold drinks,
- also eliminate citrus fruits and other acidic foods,
- Sweetened and carbonated drinks are also not recommended.
Postoperative hypersensitivity is a natural consequence of bleaching, resulting from the penetration of enamel by hydrogen peroxide. Most often it passes after a few days. In patients with sensitive teeth, we use whitening combined with tooth desensitization with calcium hydroxyapatite. The modern dentistry that we offer at Stomo Clinic allows you to whiten even teeth that are sensitive before whitening.
White diet – what can you eat after teeth whitening?
It’s a real dietary challenge: eat healthy, but white! The white diet is very important. Try to arrange the menu in such a way that you don’t eat the same thing over and over again. After all, nutritionists say that varied food is the healthiest. If you don’t want to be on cottage cheese all the time, and we don’t recommend it, maybe try eating also:
- White vegetables such as cauliflower, peeled zucchini, parsley, celery, cucumber without skin. You can create creamy soups based on white vegetables;
- Not only white cheese, but also kefir, buttermilk, yoghurt – of course without additives;
- White meat of fish and poultry;
- Groats: barley and millet;
- Oatmeal with light nuts and coconut;
- Milk, also soy drinks, almond drinks, etc.;
- White rice and white bread;
- Bananas, peeled apples and pears (at least 2 days after bleaching).
White diet after whitening – how long should we follow it?
How long should we follow a white diet after teeth whitening? It depends on the whitening method. If you whiten only in the office, you can only drink water after the procedure, other drinks are prohibited. Do not eat anything for 2 hours, and then strictly follow the rules of the white diet. How long? Minimum 72 hours. Although if you want to have a more lasting effect, then follow the white diet for 14 days. This is the perfect time to stabilize white. You can, of course, incorporate lighter colors into your diet over time.
If, on the other hand, you use our favorite hybrid whitening method, i.e. you have been to our in-office whitening and then wear trays for 3-10 days, then the white diet applies throughout the whitening period. And a few more days after. Ideally, it would last at least 10 days. It is worth exercising a little to enjoy the maximum effect.
See our blog article: Comparison of popular teeth whitening methods. Popular methods of teeth whitening: homemade preparations, trays and whitening at the dentist’s office. It discusses their effectiveness, costs and safety, helping you choose the best option. The most effective and durable method is professional whitening at the dentist, which provides control over the course and minimizes the risk of irritation.
And one more recommendation after whitening! Quit smoking. Nothing stains teeth as strongly as dyes from tobacco!
