Teeth whitening treatment is an effective and fast way to get rid of pesky dental stains and achieve a new level of confidence. However, it does not produce permanent results. In order to minimize the frequency of your whitening treatments, you need to take good care of your teeth. One aspect of that involves choosing the right foods. How can you eat in a way that helps your smile stay bright and beautiful? This blog post offers practical guidance.
Dairy Products
Dairy products make a smart choice after whitening because they support strong enamel and help your mouth stay balanced. When you consume cheese, yogurt, or milk, you give your teeth calcium and phosphorus that can help protect the bright look you want to keep. Choose dairy products with no added sugar or dyes to get the most benefits.
Crunchy Fruits and Veggies
Crisp produce can help your smile in a simple way. As you chew, the firm texture can brush away some surface stains, and the extra saliva flow can wash food particles away. Lighter-colored options are particularly well-suited to a post-whitening meal plan. Here are some tasty items to add into your diet:
- Apples
- Pears
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumbers
Other Foods that Support a Beautiful Smile
There are lots of foods that support a healthy and beautiful smile! Here are some additional choices that can help you maintain your teeth whitening results:
- Strawberries. These contain malic acid, which can naturally brighten teeth. (Some social media posts advocate the use of a strawberry paste that you leave on teeth in order to whiten them. This overexposes the teeth to acid and can actually damage them!)
- Pineapple. Pineapple contains bromelain, a compound that can dissolve surface stains on teeth. Just be sure to enjoy pineapple in moderation because of its acid content.
- Almonds, cashews, chicken, and turkey. These minimally pigmented foods are nutritious and unlikely to contribute to dental stains.
Foods to Limit
Just like some foods can help you brighten your smile, others may dim its radiance if you overindulge. Here are some foods to limit or avoid:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Tomato sauce
- Soy sauce
- Dark berries
Extra tip: When you consume dark beverages, drink them through a straw so they have less contact with your teeth.
Protecting the results of your teeth whitening treatment requires you to make thoughtful food choices! Ask your dentist for additional tips on maintaining a bright smile.
Meet the Practice
At Gillis Dental, our team of skilled professionals is proud to offer both in-office and take-home professional whitening services. If you are interested in fighting dental stains or maintaining your smile’s natural beauty, we would be happy to advise you. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our office in Needham at 781-202-6357.