Professional teeth whitening can produce results that make you feel more confident in your appearance. Whether your reason for pursuing this type of cosmetic service is to look good for your sister’s wedding or put yourself in the running for a promotion at work, you’ll want to make sure that you do everything you can to keep your brighter smile lasting longer after treatment is complete. While maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and seeing your dentist regularly are important, eating the right foods is equally impactful. Read on to learn which ones you should incorporate into your diet to keep your teeth shining bright.
Which Foods Can Lead to Staining?
The results you can expect to achieve with professional teeth whitening are far greater than anything you might try from your local drugstore shelf. However, your smile will begin to stain and become discolored if you don’t pay attention to the foods and beverages you’re consuming.
To avoid wasting your investment in whitening your smile, make sure to avoid the following items:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Red wine
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Turmeric
- Tomato sauce
- Energy and sports drinks
- Balsamic vinegar
- Red cabbage
While these are not all the stain-causing foods out there, you can better grasp the kinds you should limit or avoid altogether. If you simply cannot skip your morning cup of coffee, use a straw to minimize the exposure of the liquid to your teeth.
Which Foods Can Help Keep Teeth White?
Also known as the “white diet,” many cosmetic dentists recommend patients incorporate these foods into their diet if they want the results of their whitening treatment to last:
- Cauliflower – Not only does it stimulate your salivary glands – those that neutralize harmful acids and flush out bad bacteria – but it’s also a healthy vegetable that is white and benefits your teeth and gum health.
- Yogurt and other dairy products – Consuming anything with lactic acid and calcium is good for your teeth. Apart from not containing any tannins or stain-causing properties, they protect against cavities. Also, eating hard cheeses can be effective in creating greater saliva production.
- Strawberries – This might seem surprising because of their red color, but strawberries contain malic acid, which is an enzyme known for its whitening capabilities.
- Hard fruits and vegetables, like apples and celery – These scrubbing fruits are great for removing anything that might cause stains or discoloration as well as stimulating saliva to flush out harmful debris.
Whether you’re preparing to whiten your teeth professionally or you have recently completed treatment, knowing which foods to eat and beverages to drink will give you the best chance to keep your smile shining bright for your next big event.
About the Author
Dr. Christel Cochell is a cosmetic dentist who possesses an artistic eye and a skilled hand. Using professional teeth whitening to help patients struggling with dental stains and discoloration, she and her team can create a treatment plan that allows individuals to see noticeably brighter results in less time. Not to mention, she will also provide helpful tips, including which foods and drinks to consume, so that whiter smiles last longer. If you need help to ensure your teeth look their best, contact us at (971) 273-5910.