Food and Drinks to Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth

The market for teeth whitening products is on the rise due to more and more people throughout the world are wanting to take advantages of what it brings.  Having a beautiful smile can boost self-esteem and change the quality of a person’s overall life.  This contributes to why teeth whitening services is growing in numbers.  It is not considered to be a medical procedure because it does not result in healthier teeth, but it does make people feel better about themselves, and who wouldn’t want that.  

Developing healthy teeth and gums should begin at a very young age.  Children should be taught the importance of good oral hygiene so that it follows them into adulthood.  Keeping your teeth strong and gums healthy can benefit your overall health.  Since your mouth is the entryway to your digestive system and respiratory tract, your oral health and overall health are connected.  The bacteria that live in your mouth is mostly harmless, but some bacteria can cause disease.  Practicing good oral care can help to prevent diseases.  

As you age, even with proper oral healthcare, the outer layer of your teeth enamel can wear away.  This will leave a yellow discoloration known as dentin. If you are exhibiting dentin, you should communicate your concerns with your dentist to find a solution.  The dentist will be able to tell you if the discoloration is happening due to lifestyle factors or a dental health matter.  This can lead to the decision to whiten your teeth.

Benefits for whitening your teeth

• It will enhance your appearance.
• Minimizes the look of wrinkles.
• It will boost self-esteem.
• Your mouth will be healthier
• Professional teeth whitening is safe.
• It will benefit your mental health.
• It is affordable.

Only natural teeth can be whitened therefore tooth colored restorations will not bleach.  Whitening treatments include dental office bleaching, dentist supplied at-home products, and over-the-counter whiteners.  Your dentist can guide you on what option will work best for your situation.  Once you have whitened your teeth, you should protect your investment by avoiding certain foods and drinks to prevent stains from returning.

• Dark or strong liquids – coffee, tea, red wine, tomato juice, and cola.
• Acidic beverages – fruit juices, soft drinks, and alcohol.
• Foods that are acidic, greasy, or colored – red sauce, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, curry, paprika, turmeric, limes, oranges, lemons, kiwis, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, carrots, mile, dark chocolate, skittles, M&Ms, and smarties.

It would also benefit you to cut out smoking, tobacco products, and avoid colored dental products.  These can re-stain your teeth faster than products that are white or light in color.  That is why it would be wise to focus on what you can eat and drink after whitening your teeth.  Listed are a few items that are safe to consume after you have had your teeth whitened.

• Plain yogurt.
• White rice.
• Uncolored pasta.
• Oatmeal.
• Almonds.
• Chickpeas.
• White fish such as haddock, tilapia, or cod.
• Egg whites.
• Chicken.
• Pears.
• White chocolate.
• Vanilla ice cream.
• Sparkling water unflavored.
• White wine.
• Coconut water.
• Clear alcohol with clear mixers such as gin and tonic, vodka and club soda.
• Milk.

Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves.  If whitening your teeth gives you the added confidence you are needing to improve your life, contact Maestri Dental today at 337-704-2126.  They offer a wide variety of services to meet the needs of the whole family.  Their warm and relaxing atmosphere make their patients feel at home. If you would like to learn more about how Maestri Dental can help you achieve your beautiful smile today, please visit their website https://www.maestridental.com.  

Resources:

Whitening:  5 Things to Know About Getting a Brighter Smile – https://www.mouthhealthy.org

3 Options for Whitening Your Teeth – https://www.imperialdentalassociates.com

Oral health – A Window to Your Overall Health – https://www.mayoclinic.org

Tooth Discoloration – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ 

4 Things Not to Do After Whitening Your Teeth – https://www.rasmussendental.com