Introduction
Professional teeth whitening can noticeably improve the appearance of your smile. To make sure you get the best results possible, it’s important to look after your teeth carefully in the first few days after treatment. During this time, your teeth are more sensitive and more likely to become stained. Making small changes to your diet and oral habits will help keep your smile looking brighter for longer.
How Teeth React After Whitening
After whitening, the outer surface of your teeth (the enamel) becomes more porous for a short time. This helps the whitening gel remove deep stains, but it also means your teeth can absorb colours from food, drinks and smoking/vaping more easily. That’s why it’s so important to avoid anything that could stain them in the first 48 to 72 hours. You may also notice your teeth feel more sensitive to hot or cold. This is normal and should settle within a few days.
What to Avoid After Whitening
Certain foods and beverages are known for staining teeth. After whitening, avoiding these are particularly important:
Foods and Drinks to Avoid:
- Beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, and coloured fruit juices (e.g. cranberry, tomato)
- Sauces: Tomato-based sauces, curry, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
- Fruits and vegetables: Berries (blueberries, raspberries), beetroot and cherries
- Confectionery: Coloured sweets, boiled sweets, and chewing gum with artificial colouring
- Acidic items: Citrus fruits, vinegar, and carbonated drinks
These food and drinks can either stain the enamel or increase sensitivity, reducing the effectiveness of your whitening results. If you do have any of the above, rinsing your mouth with water straight after can help reduce the risk of staining.
Smoking, Vaping and Oral Hygiene Habits to Watch
Smoking and Vaping
Try to avoid smoking and vaping altogether during this time. It’s one of the biggest causes of staining and can undo whitening results very quickly, even after just one or two cigarettes. Avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products after whitening will help protect your smile.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth clean is just as important after whitening as it is before. Continue to brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily helps remove food and plaque from between the teeth. Avoid using mouthwashes that are brightly coloured during this time. If you choose to use one, try to find a clear or white version. If you are experiencing sensitivity, you can use a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth to help reduce discomfort.
What You Can Eat After Whitening:
To reduce the risk of staining your teeth after whitening, try to stick to what is called a “white diet” for the first few days. These foods are generally pale in colour, low in acid, and less likely to impact your whitening results:
- Plain chicken or turkey, which are gentle on the teeth and contain no colour.
- White fish, which is a soft and non-staining protein option.
- Eggs, which are light in colour and soft to eat.
- Potatoes and cauliflower, which are naturally pale vegetables and unlikely to stain.
- White rice or plain pasta, as long as no coloured sauces or seasonings are added.
- Bananas and peeled apples, which are safer fruit choices.
- Plain yoghurt, cottage cheese and milk, which are low in colour and acid.
- Porridge and white bread, which are soft and neutral in colour.
These foods are a good choice while the enamel settles and will support a better long-term result.
Final Tips From Our Dental Professionals:
- Avoid anything dark or acidic during treatment and for at least 48–72 hours after treatment
- Use a straw for drinks (other than water) to reduce contact with your teeth
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking
- Avoid smoking and vaping wherever possible (especially in the first few days)
- Maintain your normal brushing and flossing routine
- Use a sensitivity toothpaste if needed
If you’re ever unsure about what to eat or how to care for your teeth after whitening, speak to your dental team. We’re here to help you make the most of your treatment.
Author: Mani Khawaja
