Professional teeth whitening treatments are by far the most effective way to remove dental stains from your smile. When performed by a qualified dentist, these treatments are also known to be incredibly safe. That said, for the first week or two after your appointment, your pearly whites will be more prone to staining than usual. If you want to keep your teeth white and bright, you should avoid these three things!
#1. Acidic Foods and Drinks
Acidic foods and drinks like limes, lemons, coffee, and soda are tough on your enamel. In fact, they can erode your enamel, exposing the darker dentin layer underneath. Since your pearly whites will be a little more sensitive right after whitening, it’s best to avoid citrus, processed meats, pickled food, and other acidic treats.
#2. Dark Pigments
Generally speaking, darkly-colored snacks have strong pigments capable of staining the vast majority of surfaces – including your dental enamel. This includes bold drinks like red wine and coffee, as well as rich sauces like marinara and curry. Even fruits and vegetables that are darker in hue can be a problem for your newly whitened teeth! Instead of berries, beets, and carrots, opt for milder options like apples and corn.
#3. Dyes
Artificial food dyes are specifically designed to cause staining, so you should definitely avoid them! Even “all-natural” fruit juices and red velvet cake contain food dyes, making it important to carefully read product labels before you buy. Once your pearly whites are more at ease, you won’t have to be as vigilant.
If It Can Stain Your Carpet, It Can Stain Your Teeth!
A good rule-of-thumb to follow is that if it can stain your carpet, it can probably stain your teeth! Your pearly whites might be the toughest substance in your body, but they’re still porous. Enamel can absorb pigments just like the carpet fibers on your floor. Avoid these three food groups for two weeks after your teeth whitening appointment, and you’ll enjoy your bright results for much longer.
About the Author
Dr. Terri Alani (or the “Texas Tooth Lady” as you might know her) is best known for her stellar cosmetic dentistry treatments. You can rest assured that both her in-office and take-home teeth whitening options will brighten your smile by several shades! To schedule a teeth whitening appointment or learn more about the best way to preserve your treatment results, contact Dr. Alani’s office at 713-621-5141.