If you have opted to have your teeth whitened, we think you will be very happy with the outcome of the process. Still, there are a few things you should avoid immediately after the process in order to help ensure its effectiveness. Here is some information on what you should avoid in the first 24 hours after having your teeth whitened.
Avoid Dark Drinks
Most people know that drinks such as red wine, coffee, and tea will stain the teeth. However, what most people don’t realize is that this is much more likely to happen if you consume them during the first 24 hours after having your teeth whitened. No matter how much you may enjoy your morning cup of coffee, you really should abstain immediately after whitening.
Dark Foods That Stain Teeth
Of course, there are also several foods you should avoid. Blueberries, chocolate, dark red sauces, and similar foods will stain your newly-whitened teeth. Most fruit (with the exception of bananas) will also cause you problems. A good rule of thumb for food is to ask yourself whether it would stain a white shirt. If the answer is yes, you should stay away from it for at least 24 hours.
Also, avoid red meat. You might not normally think of this as a problem food, but when your teeth are newly-whitened, eating red meat can cause a permanent discoloration. It’s better to stick to bland foods like pasta, white sauces, plain chicken and fish, and cereals—although you want to be sure to avoid cereals with berries or dark colors in them.
Choose Your Food Wisely
It might seem like a bother to you, but remember that this is only a temporary situation. Keeping your teeth white will be much easier after the first day, but until that time has passed you are going to have to put a lot of thought into what you eat and drink.