Zoom Teeth Whitening is an incredibly effective method to brighten your smile in a single dental visit. However, to maintain and prolong the results of your teeth whitening treatment, it’s essential to take care of your teeth post-procedure.
One key aspect of aftercare is being mindful of the foods and drinks you consume. Certain substances can stain your newly whitened teeth and diminish the effects of your treatment.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through which foods and drinks to avoid after Zoom Teeth Whitening, as well as tips for preserving your radiant smile.
Why Does Your Diet Matter After Zoom Teeth Whitening?
After undergoing Zoom Teeth Whitening, your enamel is temporarily more porous, making it more susceptible to staining. For up to 48 hours after the procedure, it’s especially important to avoid foods and drinks that contain strong pigments or acids, as they can penetrate your enamel and cause discoloration.
Additionally, acidic foods can irritate your teeth and gums while they are in a sensitive state post-treatment.
Foods To Ignore After This Whitening Procedure
1. Dark-Pigmented Foods
Certain foods have deep hues that can stain your teeth, especially in the first few days after treatment. These include:
- Berries (Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries): These fruits are delicious but contain pigments that can easily stain your teeth.
- Beets: Beets have a rich red color that can quickly penetrate your enamel.
- Tomato-Based Sauces: These are often acidic and contain deep red pigments that can discolor your teeth.
2. Foods with Artificial Coloring
- Candy and Gummies: Brightly colored candies, especially those with artificial coloring, can leave behind unwanted stains.
- Chocolates and Lollipops: Avoid dark chocolates or brightly colored lollipops in the days following your zoom teeth whitening treatment.
3. Dark Meats
- Red Meat (Beef, Lamb): While red meat isn’t necessarily acidic, its dark color and oils can adhere to your enamel, causing stains.
- Processed Meats (Bacon, Sausages): These meats contain both colorants and oils that may stain your teeth.
4. Spicy Foods
- Curries: Spicy, heavily seasoned foods such as curries can cause staining because they often contain turmeric, a deep yellow pigment.
- Hot Peppers: These can also irritate your gums and stain your teeth.
Specific Drinks To Avoid Post-Whitening Treatment
1. Coffee and Tea
- Coffee: Coffee is notorious for staining teeth due to its dark color and high acidity. Even though it’s a staple beverage for many, it’s best to avoid it during the first 48 hours after whitening.
- Tea (Especially Black Tea): Like coffee, tea can stain your teeth, particularly dark teas. Green tea is slightly less of a concern but still contains tannins that can lead to discoloration over time.
2. Red Wine
- Red Wine: Red wine contains anthocyanins, tannins, and a high level of acidity, all of which can easily stain your teeth. After Zoom Whitening, the acidity in red wine can also irritate your gums.
3. Dark Soft Drinks and Sodas
- Cola and Dark Sodas: Dark sodas like cola and root beer are packed with sugar and artificial coloring, which can adhere to your teeth and cause staining. Additionally, their high acidity can damage your enamel and make your teeth more prone to discoloration.
- Diet Sodas: Even diet sodas, though they lack sugar, contain artificial colors and acids that can affect your teeth.
4. Sports and Energy Drinks
- Sports Drinks: Although they may seem like a healthier alternative, many sports drinks contain artificial colors and acidic ingredients that can harm your enamel.
- Energy Drinks: Like sports drinks, energy drinks are highly acidic and can erode enamel over time, making your teeth more vulnerable to stains.
Other Foods & Beverages To Limit
1. Acidic Foods
- Citrus Fruits (Lemons, Oranges, Grapefruits): While these fruits are packed with vitamins, their acidity can irritate sensitive teeth and gums post-whitening. The acid can also weaken enamel and allow stains to penetrate more easily.
- Vinegar: Foods like pickles and dressings made with vinegar can also cause enamel erosion due to their acidity.
2. Ice Cream and Milkshakes
- Ice Cream and Milkshakes: While not necessarily staining, cold, creamy foods like ice cream can trigger tooth sensitivity after whitening. It’s best to avoid them if your teeth are feeling extra sensitive.
What Are You Allowed To Eat & Drink After Zoom Whitening?
While there are several foods and drinks to avoid, you can still enjoy a wide variety of options while maintaining your white smile. Here are some foods and drinks that are safe to consume after your Zoom Teeth Whitening treatment:
- Plain Yogurt: A mild, non-acidic snack that is both healthy and gentle on your teeth.
- Chicken and Turkey: Lean, white meats are a safe option as they don’t contain dark pigments that can cause staining.
- Oatmeal and Rice: These neutral foods won’t stain your teeth and are easy on your sensitive teeth.
- Bananas and Apples: Non-acidic fruits like bananas and apples are safe to consume. Apples even help scrub your teeth as you eat them!
- Water: The best beverage you can drink, water will help rinse your mouth and keep your teeth hydrated.
Tips To Maintain That Bright Smile Of Yours!
Aside from avoiding the foods and drinks listed above, here are some additional tips for maintaining your newly whitened teeth:
1. Use a Straw for Drinks
When drinking beverages like coffee, soda, or juice, using a straw can minimize contact with your teeth and help prevent staining.
2. Rinse After Eating or Drinking
If you do consume something that could stain your teeth, rinse your mouth with water immediately. This helps wash away any staining agents before they can settle.
3. Brush and Floss Regularly
Keep up with a solid oral hygiene routine. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily can help maintain your Zoom Whitening results. Avoid brushing too hard, as it can damage your sensitive teeth.
4. Schedule Touch-Up Appointments
To keep your smile bright, you may want to schedule a touch-up whitening treatment every 6-12 months, depending on your lifestyle and diet.
Overall, this treatment offers incredible results, but it’s crucial to follow the recommended aftercare to preserve your bright smile. Avoiding certain foods and drinks outlined in this blog, especially in the first 48 hours post-treatment, will help prevent staining and ensure your teeth stay white for as long as possible.
