When asked what they would most like to change about their smile, most patients will say the color of their teeth. Specifically, they want a brighter, whiter, more brilliant smile. Often, the color of your teeth is one of the first visible signs indicating how you care for your oral health. But even if you take excellent care of your teeth, keeping them as white as you’d like them to be can be difficult.

Fortunately, professional teeth whitening from our dentists in Gainesville, FL, offer a convenient, simple, pain-free, and effective way to achieve the beautiful, bright smile you seek. But once you achieve the shade of white, your teeth can regain their stains without proper care. Here, Comprehensive Dental Care, our Gainesville dentist office, discusses how to care for your newly whitened smile after teeth whitening treatments. Contact our dental clinic today to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening treatments!

Avoid Highly-Pigmented Foods

In most patients, tooth enamel takes at least 24 hours to regenerate following professional teeth whitening sessions. As such, the longevity of your whitening treatment depends on the first 48 hours following your procedure. To keep your new smile sparkling, especially in the first 48 hours, avoid foods, drinks, oral hygiene items, and other highly pigmented food that can stain easily. Avoid anything that might compromise your new smile, including these highly pigmented foods, beverages, and other items.

  • Coffee
  • Red wine
  • Fruit juice
  • Beer
  • Tea
  • Soy Sauce
  • Cured meats
  • Chocolate
  • Turmeric
  • Curry powder
  • Dark sodas
  • Fruit
  • Tobacco products
  • Colored toothpaste
  • Colored mouthwash

Don’t Consume Acidic Foods

As with highly pigmented foods, you should also steer clear of foods and beverages containing acid. For at least 48 hours after your procedure, avoid eating or drinking anything acid-based, like soda, pickles, juices, and fruits like oranges and lemons. Professional teeth whitening treatments open the tooth enamel’s pores, making them more susceptible to staining and decay than usual. Items, beverages, and food containing acids can worsen this vulnerability in your tooth enamel.

Avoid Hot & Cold Foods

Most patients report experiencing little-to-no sensitivity after teeth whitening in our office, but some patients might experience sensitivity, particularly to high heat and very cold. As such, you should avoid foods and beverages that are either very hot or cold. Avoiding staining, acidic, and hot and cold items will help preserve your beautiful smile for longer, allowing you to enjoy the results for longer. Ask your dentist about good food and drink choices for after your procedure. In general, we recommend the following foods and beverages.

  • Water
  • Cauliflower
  • Milk
  • Rice
  • White cream-based sauces
  • Spaghetti and pasta
  • White rice
  • Tofu
  • White cheese
  • Skinless chicken breast
  • Peeled potatoes
  • White yogurt
  • Clear coconut water
  • Egg whites
  • Whitefish

Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine

In addition to avoiding highly staining foods, highly acidic foods, and hot and cold foods and beverages, it’s important to maintain your oral health and hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water or toothpaste directly after eating or drinking, follow a dentist-approved oral hygiene routine at least twice each day (including brushing and flossing), visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine dental cleanings and exams, and coming in for teeth-whitening touch-ups when necessary to maintain your results.