Foods to Avoid During Teeth Whitening Processes

Professional teeth whitening can remove months or years of tooth enamel stains. At Tenth Street Family Dental, the foremost general and cosmetic dentistry practice in Indianapolis, Indiana, our talented team doesn't just whiten your teeth: We give you long-term support to help you get the most from your treatment.

In this blog, we're breaking down the foods and drinks to avoid to keep your bright smile during and after whitening.

Why protecting your whitening results matters

At Tenth Street Family Dental, we offer two main options for teeth whitening: an office-based treatment that can whiten your teeth by multiple shades in only about an hour and trays that you use at home to whiten your teeth over a few weeks.

Regardless of the whitening approach you choose, it's important to be mindful of the food and drinks you consume for optimal results. Following the general rules we discuss here means you can expect results to last up to two years. Otherwise, your results could fade in days or weeks.

Common foods and drinks to avoid

Certain foods and beverages can easily stain teeth after whitening, especially during the first 48 hours. This period is precarious because tooth enamel is more porous and susceptible to discoloration. Avoiding these items can help maintain your bright, beautiful results:

Coffee and tea

These beverages contain tannins, which can cause staining. Dark sodas can also cause tooth stains.

Red wine

Known for its deep color and high acidity, red wine is a common tooth-staining culprit. Consider swapping it for white wine, at least for a while.

Dark sauces

Tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and curries (which are often a vibrant yellow) are delicious but can quickly discolor your teeth. Consider lighter-colored alternatives like alfredo or lemon-based sauces.

Berries

Although packed with nutrients, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries can deposit dark stains on your tooth enamel.

Carbonated beverages

Light-colored sodas and sparkling waters might not directly stain your teeth. However, they're acidic and can weaken enamel. That makes them more likely to stain.

Beets

Beets are super healthy, but their deep red shade can cause tooth staining, especially if you eat them soon after teeth whitening.

Candy

Many candies, like hard candies and lollipops, are brightly colored. Those artificial dyes can stain your teeth.

Tips for long-lasting teeth whitening results

We understand that it isn’t always possible to avoid the foods you enjoy, even for a short time. If you must have some of the foods and drinks we discussed above, consider making some small adjustments to discourage stains.

For drinks that can stain your teeth, use a straw. For foods that can stain, brush your teeth afterward. If that isn’t convenient, try to rinse your mouth with water.

Professional teeth whitening in Indianapolis, Indiana

Ready to transform your smile? At Tenth Street Family Dental, we’re committed to helping you achieve stunning results. Call 317-358-8885, or contact us online to schedule your appointment in Indianapolis.