From fast, customized whitening to traditional bleaching, teeth whitening is a staple treatment area of cosmetic dentistry, with various methods reliably providing whiter smiles. To get the best results from your treatment, you’ll need to avoid certain foods and drinks for 24 hours after your treatment. Below is more information on why you should refrain from eating specific food and why. 

What Foods & Drinks To Avoid

Anything acidic will further break down your enamel, staining and eroding your teeth. Drinks such as fruit juices, wines, teas, coffee, sodas, and other dark liquids should be avoided. Avoid tomato-, fruit-, or spice-based dishes (especially curry). Heavily pigmented items will also stain your teeth, such as beets, dark soups, or powdered flavoring, like that on cheddar popcorn. Corrosive substances, such as sour candies or hot peppers, can also damage your teeth and allow discolorations to set in. Your cosmetic dentistry professional will be able to give you a comprehensive list of guidelines to follow post-treatment, and you should take a list of any diet-related questions you have with you to your appointment.

Why It’s Important to Avoid Them

The way whitening treatments work makes it essential that you follow aftercare guidelines exactly. Bleaching treatments that use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide will penetrate your tooth’s enamel to eliminate discoloration several layers down, especially those targeting intrinsic stains. This leaves enamel, and some tissue underneath it, weakened for 24 hours after treatment, causing sensitivity as it exposes dentin to outside sensations. Going against the guidelines of your cosmetic dentistry professional could result in real damage to your teeth and render your treatment unsuccessful. Harmful or staining substances will be able to absorb deeper into your teeth, causing irritation and allowing stains to set deep in your tooth. You’ll need another whitening treatment, if not restorative measures, and the stains will be harder to remove.

When you need a quality cosmetic dentistry professional, contact the office of John D. Mainwaring, DDS in Orange, CT. For years, this family dental practice has provided reliable general, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry services to families across New Haven County, including in-office and at-home Zoom!® Whitening treatments. Their facility is equipped with modern technology and operated by a courteous and welcoming team, making sure every patient feels at home. Learn more about the services offered by this family dental practice online, or schedule your teeth whitening consultation today by calling (203)-799-6625.