It’s normal for the drinks you love, like coffee, soda, and wine, to darken your teeth over time, and even simply growing older can cause your smile to grow a bit yellow. If you’ve had your teeth whitened before or are planning to get them brightened, there are a few foods and drinks to avoid so the beautiful results last. To keep your smile bright after teeth whitening, check out what to avoid and what foods are safe. 

A Post-Whitening Aftercare Guide

1. Avoid Acidic, Sugary Drinks

Don’t drink dark-colored sodas, red wine, or black coffee for a few days after teeth whitening. After the treatment, your teeth are more vulnerable to staining. Citrus and tomato juices are highly acidic and should be avoided as well. 

2. Drink Through a Straw

When drinking after teeth whitening, especially anything on the acidic or dark-colored side that should be avoided, at least make a point to sip through a straw. This will minimize the surface area the liquid encounters and help you avoid damaging your results. 

3. Don’t Eat Staining Foods

Sauces that should be avoided include red, curry, and soy since they are dark and acidic. Also, avoid blueberries, blackberries, and chocolate for at least 24 hours after a teeth whitening. A good rule of thumb for knowing which foods to avoid is this: if it can stain your carpet, it can stain your teeth.

4. Clean Teeth After Eating

Brushing your teeth after every meal is a good practice anyway, but it’s especially important after having teeth whitened. Every time you eat, brush your teeth right afterward. If you don’t have access to a toothbrush, at least rinse out your mouth with water to remove food particles and debris. 

5. Do Eat Safe Foods 

Drinking water is safe and recommended after a whitening treatment. Liquids that won’t harm your results include milk, white wine, and clear sodas in moderation. White sauces, pasta, fish, potatoes, and chicken without colored sauce are all safe to eat right afterward. 

Whether you’re in need of teeth whitening or routine dental care, you want the highest quality results from an attentive staff. At Blome Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, they offer services and products such as braces, whitening, gum disease treatment, tooth extraction, dental cleanings, and much more. To learn more about how they can keep your teeth healthy, visit their website or call (402) 483-7000 today.