Professional teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to improve your smile and boost your overall appearance. In just two hours, your dentist can remove years of stains, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile. You can make the results of this procedure last for years with proper care and by avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages.

Avoid These 4 Foods & Beverages to Make Your Teeth Whitening Results Last Longer

1. Berries & Other Fruits

Avoid eating fruits—especially darkly-colored berries—for at least 48 hours after your teeth whitening session. Flavonoids, which are responsible for giving fruits their pigmented colors, can cause new stains to form on the teeth and undo the results of your procedure. Additionally, the citric acid found in fruits such as oranges and grapefruit can wear away at the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to stains.

2. Coffee

You can extend the life of your whitening and prevent future stains by steering clear of coffee. The darkly-colored beans used to make this beverage can cause yellowing, enamel-wearing, and discoloration. If you can’t do without your daily cup of joe, try switching to a lighter roast or sipping through a straw.

3. Tomato-Based Sauces

Tomatoes are naturally acidic and contain a good amount of flavonoids. This combination makes them potentially damaging to teeth, especially right after a whitening session. You can protect your smile by avoiding fresh tomatoes and tomato-based sauces including marinara, bolognese, and vodka sauce.

4. Wine

Although red wine is notorious for causing deep purple and red stains, white wine is not necessarily much better. The grapes used in making both red and white blends contain tannins, a compound that can stain teeth. Avoid drinking either one for at least a few weeks following the procedure.

If you need teeth whitening in the Whitefish, MT, area, contact The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry, PLLC. The team at this family dentistry practice specializes in general and cosmetic procedures including whitening, teeth cleaning, and dental implants. For more information about their services, including laser dentistry, visit them online. To schedule an appointment, call (406) 862-1010 today.