Teeth whitening procedures can give the people that receive them the confidence they need to thrive in the world. If you have just received a teeth whitening procedure, you likely want to keep your newly whitened teeth beautiful for as long as possible. In the first 48-hours following your procedure, it is especially important that you avoid specific foods, as the pores in your teeth enamel are open and can absorb stains faster than usual. Below are some specific foods, drinks, and substances to avoid following a teeth whitening procedure to make sure your newly whitened teeth stay white for as long as possible.

Staining Foods or Substances

As a general rule of thumb, use the “white shirt” rule to decide if something will stain your teeth or not. This just means that if a substance will stain a white shirt, it will also stain your teeth within the first 48-hours of having them whitened. Some specific foods that could stain your teeth include:

• Blueberries
• Soy sauce
• Dark marinades
• Tomato sauce
• Beets
• Stews
• Dark soups
• Chocolate

In addition to staining foods, avoid staining substances like colored lipstick and lip liner.

Dark Beverages

Some examples of these include red wine, tea, soft drinks and coffee. Make sure you also avoid grape juice, cranberry juice, tomato juice and all other dark colored juices.

Acidic Foods

After professional whitening, your teeth can be especially sensitive to acidic foods. These include:

• Pickles
• Vinegar
• Pineapple
• Limes
• Lemons
• Grapefruits
• Oranges

Cold Food and Beverages

It is best to avoid any food or drink that is cold in temperature following your procedure, as your teeth will be in a particularly sensitive state.

At Brodie Bowman DMD, the health of your teeth is our top priority. White teeth are healthy teeth, and having a healthy mouth can help you have a healthy body. Doctor Brodie Bowman specializes in orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign for patients of all ages. If you have recently had your teeth whitened, our staff can offer some suggestions about tips and tricks for keeping your teeth white. These same tips and tricks are great for keeping your braces free from stains, so that your teeth and your orthodontic appliances stay clean, white and healthy. Contact Brodie Bowman DMD today to schedule your consultation. We will help you get the smile you want and deserve. We serve the Fort Walton Beach and Niceville areas.