How to care for your teeth post treatment

White Diet 24 Hours Post Treatment

After a teeth whitening treatment, the pores of your enamel are open and this makes them extra vulnerable to any stains which can reverse a lot of the whitening benefit from your treatment.

For best results follow the white diet for 24 - 48 hours after a teeth whitening treatment. Once the pores close, which usually happens within 24 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits.

An easy rule to remember is anything that would stain white fabric; AVOID IT!!

Remember though, the more staining your diet is the faster you will re-stain your teeth. Taking care with what you eat all the time, plus rinsing with water after eating and drinking will keep your smile whiter for longer!

Foods to AVOID

Coloured fruit and vegetables i.e. capsicum,

Carrots and Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Broccoli, Spinach and Green Vegetables

Dark and milk chocolate

Rye and dark Bread

Tomato / dark sauces ie bolognese sauce

Curries / Pickles / Beetroot

Berries

Butter and Margarine

Coloured lollies

Non Staining Beverages You CAN Have

Water
Sparkling Water
Milk

LIPSTICK & LIPBALM

Use smudge-proof lipstick. Use smudge-proof lipstick to keep lipstick from getting on your teeth because regular lipstick can stain teeth. Also, avoid tinted lip balm.

Beverages To AVOID

Lemonade, Energy Drinks,

Any Acidic Fruit Juice

Tea and Coffee

Coke and Other Fizzy Drinks

ALCOHOL & SMOKING

Frequent consumption of alcoholic drinks and heavy smoking can reverse the effects of teeth whitening. Many alcoholic drinks such as wine have tannins that can stain the teeth. The same goes for the nicotine in tobacco.

If you cannot quit drinking and smoking, at least try and reduce the frequency.

Alcohol also reduces your resolve (your determination) to avoid food which may stain your teeth. You can however have your teeth whitened 3-4 times a year should the staining from the above return.

Alcoholic Drinks To AVOID

Red Wine

Stout or Dark Beer

Coloured mixed drinks

Coloured Cocktails or Dark Spirits

In summary:

The more colourful the food and drink, the more likely it can stain your teeth!!!

Food You CAN Have

Chicken/ Turkey / White Fish

White Rice / White Pasta

White Sauce

Cauliflower

Cottage Cheese

Potatoes (NO skin)

Plain Yoghurt

Bananas (sandwich - YUM)

Peeled apples

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Avoid extremely hot or cold liquids. These are dangerous to your white smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change (hot and cold cycling) causes teeth to expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate your teeth. Try cutting down on these types of drinks (including coffee and tea) or try drinking them with a straw to reduce the amount of time they are in contact with your teeth.

Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic. Acidic foods and beverages open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to more easily penetrate your teeth. Use a straw to help minimize the contact of these substances with your teeth.

For long-lasting results, be sure to follow the white diet during and after every teeth whitening, even treatment with a home touch up kit. You may have a follow-up treatment in 4 months if you desire.

Keep in mind the more regularly you have a teeth whiting treatment the smaller the results of the treatment will be as there are not as many stains to bleach.
The more colourful the food and drink, the more likely it can stain your teeth!!!