When you get your teeth professionally whitened with treatment from your dentist, you may love the results you get. You might feel more confident with a brighter smile, but you should be sure to do your best to preserve your results. One way you can do this is by avoiding certain foods after your service. That’s because your teeth may be more susceptible to stains initially, so here are four items you should keep off your plate.
1.) Acidic Foods
While acidic foods may not cause discoloration themselves, they can increase your risk of it. They wear down and soften your enamel over time, allowing this flaw to penetrate deeper. Not only that, but you might also develop sensitivity as well. For the time being, you should avoid pickles, limes, oranges, grapefruits, processed meats, and the like.
2.) Dark-Colored Drinks
Red wine, tea, and coffee all have chromogens in them. These are intense, dark-colored particles that can stick to your teeth. Not only that, but these drinks also have tannins. While these give the bitter taste you may be familiar with, they also allow for the pigments to stick better on your grin.
3.) Certain Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables are also full of chromogens. Beets, pomegranates, cherries, and dark berries may be tasty and great for your health, but they can lead to stains. Keep them off your plate for a short while and reach for lighter options like coconut, bananas, pears, broccoli, and celery.
4.) Dyed Things
This grouping may be a bit more obvious, but it’s important to bring it up nonetheless! Candy, popsicles, and sports drinks are just some that you should be wary of. They can dull your smile the more you eat them or let them linger in your mouth, so limit them or avoid them after your treatment.
In the end, if it can stain a white shirt, then it can do the same to your teeth! Be a bit more conscious about what you put on your plate and steer clear of those that will ruin your results. Some of them might be your favorites, so be sure you enjoy them in moderation and drink water to wash away any lingering particles.
Keep up with brushing and flossing, and you may be able to protect the investment in your smile and enjoy your results for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Gabrielle Dizon earned her dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry. She is proud to help the Dallas community get the gorgeous grins they deserve with reliable cosmetic dental treatments like professional whitening. By listening to your goals, Dr. Dizon is happy to customize a plan to get you to them; that way, you feel confident about the entire process. If you want to fix flaws in your teeth, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Dizon’s office at (214) 646-6202.