This useful piece of advice should help guide your eating and drinking decisions over the next 48 hours. Several studies and observations have shown that the foods and drinks we eat and drink can have a big impact on the color of our teeth.
That being said, if you just got your teeth whitened, they are even more likely to get stained. That’s why a white diet is recommended for anyone who has just had the procedure.
We don’t need to go into a lot of detail because that’s what we do, but knowing how a tooth is put together helps you understand what’s going on.
The tooth is broken up into three distinct parts: the root, the neck, and the crown. We’ll only talk about this part because teeth whitening only changes the crown, which is the part of the tooth you can see.
Sparkling white teeth can make a huge difference to your smile and boost your confidence. If you’ve invested time and money into teeth whitening, the last thing you want is for your bright smile to be ruined by stains coming back quickly. This leads many people to wonder what diet modifications need to be made after whitening their teeth. In particular, is shrimp off limits or can you still enjoy it in moderation?
Why Staining Happens After Whitening
After undergoing any type of teeth whitening procedure, the teeth are more porous and prone to picking up stains easily. This is because the whitening agents used work by penetrating the enamel and breaking up deposited pigment molecules. But this leaves tiny openings that make it easier for pigments to get back in and discolor the teeth again.
Pigmented foods and drinks are the biggest culprits when it comes to re-staining whitened teeth Common staining agents include
- Dark berries – blackberries, blueberries, acai berries
- Dark juices – grape, cranberry, pomegranate
- Wine, coffee, and tea
- Tomato-based foods like sauce and chili
- Soy sauce, curry, and other dark sauces
- Chocolate and cocoa
- Colas and dark sodas
- Beets and cherries
So after teeth whitening, these pigment-rich foods and beverages need to be limited or avoided completely But what about lighter foods like shrimp?
Is Shrimp okay for Newly Whitened Teeth?
The good news is shrimp does not contain much tooth-staining pigment, so enjoying shrimp occasionally after teeth whitening is fine
In fact, shrimp is considered one of the more teeth-friendly protein options. That’s because shrimp, like other white meats, is low in staining agents compared to red meats.
Some tips for eating shrimp post-whitening:
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Eat in moderation – a few times a week is ok. Daily could stain over time.
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Avoid dunking in cocktail sauce, soy sauce, or other heavily pigmented condiments. Opt for lighter dressings like lemon.
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Skip frying or breading shrimp, which introduces staining carbs. Grill, bake, or sauté instead.
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Pair with white wine or champagne vs. red wine, which has more teeth-staining tannins.
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Rinse with water after eating to wash away particles that could cling to teeth.
As long as you follow the basic rules of the “white diet” for a week or two after whitening, shrimp can certainly be enjoyed.
Best Foods for Newly Whitened Teeth
To get the longest-lasting results from teeth whitening, experts recommend sticking to a ‘white diet’ for 1-2 weeks post-procedure. This diet focuses on low-pigment foods that won’t stain teeth. Here are some of the best options:
Proteins
- Chicken breast
- Turkey
- Eggs
- Tofu
- White fish like tilapia and flounder
- Shrimp
- Pork
Dairy
- Milk
- Plain yogurt
- Cream cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Hard cheeses like parmesan
Fruits and Vegetables
- Bananas
- Apples
- Pears
- White peaches
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Garlic
Grains
- White rice
- Pasta
- Corn tortillas
- White bread
- Cream of wheat
- Grits
Beverages
- Water – still or sparkling
- Skim or lowfat milk
- White wine
- Champagne
- Clear spirits like vodka and gin
After 1-2 weeks, you can slowly reintroduce your favorite colorful fruits, tomatoes, soy sauce, coffee and other staining foods in moderation. Just be sure to brush and floss promptly after consuming them.
Overall shrimp can be a great protein to include as part of a ‘white diet’ after teeth whitening procedures. Coupled with diligent oral hygiene, you can maintain your bright new smile for months to come.
The Short-Term Effects of Teeth Whitening
While you may have heard about possible dangers of teeth whitening, studies show that it is both safe and low-risk if you consult with a professional.
There are many treatments that can help, but if you’ve been told to go on a temporary white diet, it’s probably because of one of these reasons:
- Dentin Exposure: Hydrogen peroxide is often used to bleach stained areas of teeth, making them whiter. However, this process can temporarily expose the dentin layer, which can make your teeth more sensitive. The dentin layer is easily damaged by bacteria, which is why it’s important to know what foods to avoid after getting your teeth whitened.
- Inflammation of the gums: The process can also irritate your soft tissues, which can be painful. Luckily, this is usually only a short-term side effect that goes away one to three days after the treatment.
During this time, a white diet can mostly help keep your teeth from getting stained, but it can also help ease the pain in your gums.
What Stains Your Teeth?
The three factors that contribute to darkening your teeth are chromogens, tannins, and acids. These are in a lot of common foods and can stain the enamel or weaken it, making it easier for stains to stick.
It might be hard to do some of the things below for 48 hours after treatment, but remember that it’s only for that long. It’s a small, brief sacrifice that will help ensure you have beautiful white teeth for longer.
You now know why your teeth look and feel the way they do. Let’s look at the list of white foods below to see what you can and shouldn’t eat.
- We know that giving up coffee might be hard for some people. If you need it to get through the day, you can add milk to make it less likely to stain. Also, don’t drink more than two cups at a time; studies have shown that the more cups you drink, the more stains you get.
- Tea—dark tea is worse for the color of your teeth than coffee Once more, if you can’t fight the urge, do what was said above.
- Wine—red wine is a dangerous drink because it is acidic and dark. White wine doesn’t stain your teeth by itself, but the acidity makes your enamel weaker, which makes other foods that stain more likely to do so.
- Avoid fizzy drinks at all costs because they are acidic and full of dyes.
- Fruit juices: Stay away from these drinks because they are very acidic.
- Too much soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or even tomato sauce can be bad for you because of their color and acidity.
- Dark Fruits: Same as above, stay away from fruits like blackberries
- Curry—bet you didn’t know that it stained your pots and pans? It will stain your teeth too! Definitely avoid this food after treatment to be safe.
- Chocolate and sweets—think about what color your tongue is after eating some sweets. It’s the same way that your teeth can get stained.
- Tobacco: The phrase “smokers teeth” is used a lot for a good reason. We strongly advise that you do not smoke after your procedure. To help you fight the urge to smoke, try nicotine patches and other products.
What is bad to eat and drink after whitening my teeth?
FAQ
Can I eat seafood after teeth whitening?
Is salmon ok after teeth whitening?
What not to eat after getting teeth professionally whitened?
Can I eat sushi after teeth whitening?
Can you eat food after teeth whitening?
Dr. Klaich notes that this includes graying teeth. He says the habit should be kicked after whitening. Top dentists say you should avoid eating certain food for at least one to two days after a teeth whitening treatment.
Can you eat coffee after teeth whitening?
Coffee is incredibly staining, so avoid it after teeth whitening. Dark Cherries: Cherries are a very healthy snack, but they’re also very likely to stain your teeth. Red Wine: Red wine is incredibly staining and should be avoided during teeth whitening. – Beetroot: Like red wine, beetroot is extremely likely to stain your teeth.
Will eating a white diet stains my teeth after teeth whitening?
The white diet is a set of foods less likely to stain your teeth after teeth whitening. But that doesn’t mean eating them will make your teeth return to their original color. It’s more about eating foods that are less likely to leave behind a mark after teeth whitening.
Which foods should I avoid after teeth whitening?
After teeth whitening, it’s best to avoid certain foods and beverages that can stain or discolor your teeth. Dark-colored Foods like berries, beets, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauces should be avoided.