Foods and Beverages That Can Stain Newly Whitened Teeth

Brightly colored things are often a sign that you’re approaching something dangerous – or juicy and delicious. So this old saying about nature’s “warning label” might not stand up so well under scrutiny, but if you’ve just whitened your teeth professionally, a bright berry will probably still get your heart racing! Strong colors can discolor your teeth on a normal day, and for the first couple of days after whitening, they’re actually even more vulnerable to food-born pigments.

If you’d rather avoid having to visit your dentist for a second treatment so soon after the first, keep reading so you know what to avoid.

Acidic Fruits and Beverages

One rule-of-thumb that does hold up is that anything acidic will wear down your enamel if you enjoy it too frequently. Tomatoes, oranges, limes, coffee, and soda are just a few such things that could weaken your tooth’s outermost layer. As it softens, stains will have a much easier time clinging to your smile.

Dark Drinks and Sauces

Think of richly hued substances like pomegranates, blackberries, curries, and soy sauces. They’ll leave a colorful residue on your countertops, and your teeth aren’t safe either. If you’ve ever wondered why foods like these create stains so easily, here’s the answer: they’re usually packed with tannins – a chemical compound that enhances color pigments!

Dyes and Food Coloring

Most people love a good red velvet cake. Right after your whitening treatment, though, you’ll have to resist it. Culinary dyes have to be strong in order to affect foods (such as red velvet cake) and smoothies, so you can expect these ingredients to make your teeth not-so-pearly.

Safe Food Choices

When you put all of that together, what’s left for you to eat? Mostly bland-looking foods like rice, yogurt, vanilla ice cream, sushi, bread, and bananas. It’s a good thing color doesn’t necessarily indicate how tasty something will be!

Think of it this way: a strategic sushi bowl can be quite filling, bananas can pair well with all kinds of treats, and it’s hard not to like a quality pint of vanilla ice cream. Your diet options might be limited for a few days after your teeth whitening, but there are still plenty of safe snacks you can enjoy. Plus, at the end of the tunnel you’ll have a bright, white smile!

About the Practice

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen has almost 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry, which includes extensive training in cosmetic dentistry treatments like teeth whitening. He’s seen many cases and knows plenty of tips and tricks for helping patients keep their newly whitened smile bright and pearly. If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening or schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Hermen’s office at 405-621-2100.