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.
You’ve just had your teeth professionally whitened and can’t wait to show off your new pearly white smile! But what can you actually eat after teeth whitening? Is bacon off the table, or can you indulge in those tasty strips of pork belly?
I did some research into what foods are recommended after teeth whitening and have the scoop on whether bacon makes the cut Keep reading for a full explanation on if and how you can eat bacon after getting your teeth whitened.
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, you can eat bacon after teeth whitening. Bacon itself does not contain any ingredients that can stain teeth However, it’s best consumed in moderation along with proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup, which can eventually discolor teeth. Avoid pairing bacon with stained foods like dark bread or ketchup.
Why Teeth Whitening Impacts Your Diet
After professional teeth whitening treatments the enamel on your teeth is more porous and vulnerable to staining. Foods and drinks with dark pigments can seep into the microscopic pores in your enamel causing discoloration.
Your dentist likely advised you to avoid certain foods and beverages for at least 48 hours after whitening. But what about longer term? You’ll need to continue being mindful of teeth-staining foods to maintain your bright new smile.
Foods to Avoid After Whitening
Here are some examples of foods to avoid after teeth whitening:
- Dark berries – blueberries, blackberries, dark cherries
- Dark sodas – cola, root beer
- Red or purple juices – grape, cranberry, pomegranate
- Tomato-based foods – pasta sauce, ketchup, salsa
- Curries and other sauces with turmeric
- Soy sauce and dark Asian sauces
- Red wine, coffee, dark teas
- Citrus fruits and juices – lemons, limes, oranges
- Acidic foods like vinegar
Focus on lighter colored foods, especially in the first 48 hours.
Can Bacon Stain Your Teeth?
The good news is that bacon itself does not contain any natural ingredients that can permanently stain or discolor your teeth. Foods that can stain teeth contain dark pigments that get trapped in your enamel. Bacon does not have these types of stubborn pigments.
However, it’s still important to be mindful of how you consume bacon post-whitening. Here are some tips:
- Eat bacon in moderation – high fat foods can contribute to plaque over time.
- Avoid pairing bacon with dark breads, cheese, or condiments like ketchup.
- Use a napkin to dab away excess oil and grease while eating.
- Rinse your mouth and brush after eating bacon.
As long as you follow these precautions, you can safely enjoy bacon without risk of tooth staining or discoloration.
Other Tips for Maintaining a White Smile
Here are some additional tips to keep your teeth looking their whitest after professional whitening treatments:
- Brush after each meal or snack.
- Floss at least once daily to remove plaque between teeth before it hardens.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods and drinks.
- Drink dark beverages like coffee through a straw to minimize contact with teeth.
- Avoid tobacco use, which can yellow teeth.
- Get regular dental cleanings every 6 months.
- Use whitening toothpaste daily.
- Apply whitening gel as directed by your dentist.
- Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol, which can dry your mouth and stain teeth.
Foods You Can Enjoy After Whitening
While you’ll need to avoid obvious teeth-staining foods, you can still enjoy a variety of delicious foods without compromise your bright new smile, including:
- White meat chicken, turkey, fish
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Cheese in moderation
- Vegetables like cauliflower, cucumber, celery
- White rice or pasta
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter
- Bread, crackers, tortillas without pigmented seeds
- Coconut milk, almond milk
- Clear juices and sodas
- Smoothies without pigmented berries
- Water, coffee, and tea without pigment
Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after meals and snacks and brush regularly. This will keep your mouth clean and prevent plaque buildup while allowing you to enjoy a nutritious, varied diet.
How Long to Avoid Staining Foods After Whitening
It’s recommended to stick to a tooth-friendly diet for at least 48 hours after your whitening treatment. This gives time for the enamel on your teeth to re-harden and close the microscopic pores that can collect stains.
After 48 hours, you can slowly begin reintroducing lightly pigmented foods like carrots and mustard. But continue avoiding dark staining foods for 2-4 weeks to allow the whitening gel to fully set.
Discuss the aftercare timeline with your dentist, as they may recommend avoiding stain-causing foods for longer based on the type of whitening treatment performed.
Enjoy Bacon in Moderation Post-Whitening
The bottom line is that you don’t have to fully avoid delicious bacon after professional teeth whitening. As long as you consume it in moderation and practice good oral hygiene, bacon can be part of a tooth-friendly diet. Just be mindful of pairing it with lighter foods over heavily pigmented condiments.
Following your dentist’s recommended aftercare instructions, sticking to a “white diet”, and maintaining an effective hygiene routine will keep your smile looking freshly bright well beyond the initial 48 hours post-whitening.
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 meat after teeth whitening?
Can I eat sausage after teeth whitening?
Does bacon soda whiten teeth?
Can I eat scrambled eggs 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.
Are there any side effects to using dentist recommended teeth whitening products?
Tooth whitening has become one of the most popular dental procedures among people of all ages. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, providing a rapid, non-invasive, and cost-effective solution to improve a smile. Tooth sensitivity (when the bleaching agents penetrate too deeply into your tooth enamel due to dentin exposure), gum irritation, over-whitening, burns and blisters, allergic reactions, upset stomach, rough teeth, redness and soreness in the mouth are all potential risks of tooth whitening.
What foods should I avoid after teeth whitening?
Rice is a great source of fiber and vitamin B, both of which are crucial for oral health. Avoid these foods after teeth whitening because they are particularly staining. Black tea and coffee While tea is a great source of antioxidants; it’s also incredibly likely to stain your teeth. Coffee is incredibly staining, so avoid it after teeth whitening.
Can you eat chicken after teeth whitening?
Chicken and turkey are incredibly versatile and tasty to eat – not just after teeth whitening, but in general. Be careful not to smother them in spicy tannin or acid-rich sauce. 3.