As one of the most preferred aesthetic dental operations, teeth whitening offers the patient a brighter smile to exhibit in the matter of hours. Nevertheless, there are several questions raised regarding the efficiency, longevity and aftercare of the whitening operation on the teeth. Covering the fundamental points, this article is crafted to enlighten the (possible) patients regarding their optimal diet after the bleaching treatment in order to preserve their smile for a longer period.
Professional (In-Office) teeth whitening treatments provide the patients a whiter smile when compared to self-serve alternatives. Taking care of what you eat in the first few days after a professional whitening procedure will drastically affect the longevity of your newly achieved brighter smile. As a professional consensus, avoiding acidic drinks and pigmented foods for a few days after an in-office bleaching operation is crucial for maintaining the new, brighter smile. Usually referred to as the "White Diet", this temporary precaution restricts the consumption of staining foods and drinks. Coffee is a special question for most people regarding the topic, which you can learn about at our blog post can I drink coffee after teeth whitening
White diet is recommended by the dentist for maintaining the effects of the teeth whitening operation. After a bleaching operation, the enamel of the tooth becomes more vulnerable to harmful effects. Without sufficient shielding, the highly permeable layer will quickly accommodate food coloring, reducing the efficiency of the bleaching treatment. Furthermore, the enamel responds to food and beverage temperatures that are too hot or too cold. After eating hard, rough, or acidic meals, patients suffer from moderate discomfort and soreness on their mouth and teeth.
The white diet is required to maintain the effect and restore the enamel after whitening. Your daily diet may consist of foods such as:milk, kefir,low-fat quarks,seafood, apricots etc. On the other hand, colorants are absolutely forbidden for the first couple of days, after which they should be consumed with caution for the next two weeks. For instance, the following beverages are prohibited: green tea, coffee, chocolate, wine, sauces etc. By following the white diet and the recommendations of your dentist, you will ensure that your teeth will remain white for a long time.
The whitening effect is long-lasting, if the patient follows the recommended eating programs and cares for their oral hygiene. After 10 days, the teeth's sensitivity reduces and the limitations regarding food and beverages can be lifted. The teeth will stay white for approximately two years if handled appropriately. You might also want to look into our post can I smoke after teeth whitening