There’s no question that a brighter, whiter smile can boost your appearance and self-confidence. That’s why this procedure continues to grow in popularity. But it’s important to know that what you eat and drink in the days after the procedure can make a big difference to your teeth. To avoid tooth staining, avoid the following five foods and drinks.
- Sorry, java lovers. Your morning cup of Joe is one of the most common causes of tooth staining. Think of it this way: anything that can stain a white shirt can stain your teeth. At least wait two days after your whitening procedure to incorporate coffee back into your daily routine.
- Red wine. Studies indicate that one glass of wine a day has its health benefits, but red wine is also a primary cause of tooth staining. To maintain the tooth whitening effects, abstain from a glass of red for as long as possible.
- Certain sauces.In the days following your treatment, steer clear of dark sauces like tomato sauce and soy sauces. Also avoid stews and marinades, which contribute to significant staining.
- Dark chocolate, in particular, can do a number on your recently whitened smile. But it has its good points too. It contains a powerful antioxidant that’s been known to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. You don’t have to do away with dark chocolate forever. Just stay away from it for the first week.
- Highly acidic foods. When you whiten your teeth, the bleaching components that are used temporarily weaken your tooth enamel. If you add acidic foods into the mix, it can add more acid to your saliva which can harm your teeth. In the days after your tooth whitening, avoid food types that can increase acidity like oranges, lemons, limes, pickles and soda.
Want to learn more about getting the most out of your tooth whitening procedure? Contact Dr. Stanly Hirst, DDS, and Bethany Jensen, DDS, at Broadway Family Dentistry today by calling 701-839-1299 to schedule a check-up. We are located in Minot, ND and look forward to hearing from you!
