After receiving professional teeth whitening, you might marvel at how clean and bright your smile looks. Unfortunately, if you aren’t careful, those stains can creep back up on you—especially if you enjoy certain foods and drinks on a regular basis. For these reasons, Temiko G. Braswell DDS PC recommends watching what you eat to protect your teeth whitening results. Here are three types of foods and drinks you should avoid in the days following your treatment to extend the life of your teeth whitening.  

Acidic Beverages

Dental enamel is naturally porous. But acid can make the surface of your teeth rougher and softer, allowing pigments to set in more easily. To keep your teeth white, avoid acidic beverages such as coffee, tea, and colas.

Berries

Berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, but those bright fruits can leave behind difficult stains. To keep your teeth white, try to limit the exposure your teeth have with berries by eating them quickly or rinsing your mouth out with water afterwards.

Sauces

Ingredients like milk, tomatoes, and vinegar are common in sauces, which, in condiments like soy sauce, ketchup, and marinara sauce, can yellow your teeth. If possible, enjoy sauces on the side so that you can control how much you ingest. To keep tomato sauce from staining your teeth, eat greens beforehand, which create a protective film that can help prevent staining.

For more information about how to keep your teeth white and beautiful, work with a dentist such as Temiko G. Braswell DDS PC. In addition to offering cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening and dental bonding, she also offers a wide range of restorative and preventive dental procedures, including root canal therapy, braces, and crowns. For more information about their services or to schedule an appointment, contact the office of Temiko G. Braswell DDS PC by calling (478) 988-3200 or visit them online.