The White Diet: Foods to Eat After Teeth Whitening

After struggling with staining and discoloration for years, you finally pulled the trigger and got your teeth professionally whitened. While marveling at your bright results, you can’t help but wonder how long it’ll last. Even though your perfect white smile won’t last forever, being careful about the foods you eat following your procedure can help it last as long as possible. By sticking to the “White Diet”, you can prevent discoloration on your new grin. Read on to learn more about which foods whiten teeth and which don’t.

What Is the White Diet?

The “White Diet” is a short-term diet consisting of white and light-colored foods and drinks. It’s recommended to stick to it for the first 48 hours after teeth whitening procedure to avoid compromising your bright results. Since teeth become slightly porous and the dentin layer becomes exposed after a whitening procedure, dark-colored foods and drinks are more likely to absorb into your teeth, causing discoloration. Therefore, by sticking to the White Diet, you can limit the number of dyes and pigments that come into contact with your teeth until the sensitivity goes away.

Foods You Can Eat After Teeth Whitening

After professional teeth whitening, there are many things you can eat and drink that’ll help you maintain your new, brighter smile for longer. Let’s take a closer look at foods that whiten teeth.

Fish, Chicken, & Tofu

These light, lean proteins are great for your oral and bodily health. They’re excellent foods to eat after getting your teeth whitened. However, be cautious of vibrant seasonings and sauces – stick to white sauces whenever possible.

Rice, Bread, & Pasta

The good news is most grains are safe to have while on the White Diet. Just watch out for bread and pasta that contain molasses or food coloring in the ingredients. Those additives give food an artificially darker appearance, meaning it can likely do the same to your teeth.

White Cheese & Yogurt

White cheeses and plain yogurts are great dairy choices for this diet! Make sure you avoid the artificially colored cheeses and sugary, flavored yogurts.

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Light-colored fruits and vegetables like pears, bananas, apples, cauliflower, potatoes, and mushrooms are not only great for your body, but your teeth as well.

Water

Water is truly the best drink for your overall health. It has no risk of staining your teeth or wearing down enamel, making it your ideal beverage on the White Diet!

What Foods Should You Avoid After Teeth Whitening?

Because your teeth are sensitive for the first few days after a whitening procedure, it’s best to avoid the following foods during that time. They contain natural pigments and artificial dyes that can build up over time, causing discoloration.

• Red wine
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soft drinks
• Candy and chocolate
• Dark fruits

Ultimately, you’re free to enjoy any food that’s white or clear after a teeth whitening procedure. By following this short-term diet for about two days, you can ensure your bright results last as long as possible.

About the Practice

At Sunny Dental, we provide comprehensive and high-quality dental services in a warm, relaxing environment. Our team strives to give every patient the exceptional care and treatment they deserve. If you’re unhappy with the color of your smile, we can restore its brightness with teeth whitening. To learn more, visit our website or call (469) 765-8050.