In order to consolidate and preserve the results of teeth whitening for a long time, it is necessary to follow several rules regarding nutrition, daily habits, and dental care. This is important, because the condition, color of the teeth, and, of course, our general well-being depend on it. So we suggest talking in more detail about what a white diet is, what foods you can eat after whitening, and which are better to avoid.
Why are nutritional correction and a "white diet" necessary after teeth whitening?
There are several reasons for this.
First, microcracks appear in the enamel after the lightning procedure. And in this way, the pigments of the dyes can penetrate inside and affect the color of the teeth and, accordingly, the whitening effect. Therefore, it is better to give up bright foods and drinks, at least for a short time.
Secondly, hyperesthesia of the teeth, or in other words – increased sensitivity, may occur after professional cleaning. And this is already a reason to refuse solid food, as well as salty, sour, and smoked.
Therefore, proper nutrition after teeth whitening allows you to consolidate the effect of the procedure and avoid unpleasant sensations.
Basics of the "white diet"
As you probably guessed, the white diet involves eating foods without bright dyes. It is also better to avoid hard, sour, and spicy foods.
The white diet is specially developed by dentists and nutritionists to protect the lightened enamel from the action of natural and synthetic dyes and acids, as well as to secure the desired whitening result.
What can you eat after teeth whitening?
Here is a list of foods that can and should be eaten after the teeth whitening procedure.
- Dairy and fermented milk products: milk, cheese, sour cream, kefir, yogurts, etc.
- Fish and seafood: By the way, the consumption of seafood directly affects the condition of the teeth. Seafood contains calcium, fluorine, phosphorus, and iodine, and is also rich in vitamins D and B1. Such components strengthen bone tissue and tooth enamel. And iodine also protects against caries.
- Fruits and berries: Pay attention to those fruits that do not have a bright color and are not acidic: bananas, pears, peaches, nectarines, apricots, non-acidic apples, white grapes.
- White meat, especially poultry.
- Vegetables and mushrooms: The same rule: choose those products that do not have a bright dye. Brussels sprouts, white cabbage or cauliflower (except red cabbage), potatoes and potato products, celery, asparagus, beans, mushrooms, etc. are useful.
- Cereals, pasta, bakery products, eggs.
What can't you eat after teeth whitening?
Here is a list of foods that are not recommended to consume after teeth whitening.
- Red meat, sausage products, pickled, smoked meat.
- Redfish.
- Egg yolks.
- Chocolate products, sweets with jam, glaze.
- Colored, sour fruits, vegetables, berries.
- Canned products.
- Sauces and spices with a bright color: tomato and soy sauces, mustard, curry, etc.
The following drinks are also taboo:
- Black and green tea, as well as karkade.
- Coffee and cocoa.
- Fruit and vegetable juices.
- Carbonated drinks, even colorless.
- Alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks.
- We also highly recommend giving up smoking, at least for a while!
- If it is very difficult to give up a drink, we recommend drinking it through a straw. So its effect on the enamel will be minimal.
General recommendations
And here are some more recommendations for a white diet.
The first thing to note is that you do need to make some changes to your diet after teeth whitening, but you don’t need to turn this period into a grind. Adjust the diet for yourself, and consume food with pleasure.
If you are in doubt about some products (whether they are too colored, hard, or sour), it is better to refuse them for a while or to pre-process them. For example, you can peel cucumbers, bake apples, and steam vegetables.
Do not forget about thorough daily dental care. At this time, it is better to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and rinse your mouth after every meal.
Let the period after teeth whitening not be a burden for you, but an opportunity to get rid of bad habits, and instead make your diet more healthy and balanced.
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