Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening technology is a safe, fast, and effective way to brighten your smile in under an hour. This in-office treatment offered by top celebrity dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman at Cosmetic Dental Studios in New York City is more effective than at-home whitening treatment and lasts up to five years.

After laser teeth whitening, maintaining your bright smile requires a good oral care routine, including avoiding certain foods and beverages.

How foods and drinks affect your teeth

The same foods and beverages that stain your teeth in the first place can also reduce the longevity of laser teeth whitening. Exposing teeth to pigmented residue allows particles to build up inside the film of protein that covers your tooth enamel. Foods and drinks with chromogens, acids, tannins, and dyes can affect tooth enamel, giving your smile a yellow, brown, or purple appearance.

While the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says patients can expect teeth whitening procedures to last at least six months, the Philips Zoom! White Speed procedure performed by celebrity dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman at Cosmetic Dental Studios in New York City can last for years if you avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks.

Foods to avoid after laser teeth whitening

Patients who undergo laser teeth whitening need to avoid heavily pigmented foods for at least 48 hours after treatment. Teeth are temporarily porous after this cosmetic dentistry procedure to let the bleach do its work. But that also means colored foods could reverse results if they’re eaten in the days following the process.

Foods to avoid right after laser teeth whitening include:

• Pigmented condiments, such as jams, jellies, mustards, soy sauce, and ketchup

• Marinara and other red sauces on pasta and pizza

• Red meat

• Colorful carbs, such as sweet potatoes

• Pigmented beans, such as black beans

• Brightly-colored vegetables, such as peppers

• Chocolate and caramel

• Berries

• Acidic fruits, regardless of color

• Brightly-colored spices such as paprika, curry powder, and turmeric

• Balsamic and red vinegar

• Candy

Drinks to avoid after cosmetic dentistry for teeth whitening

Some beverages can stain teeth almost immediately after cosmetic dentistry. Avoid these drinks in the 48 hours after laser teeth whitening (and for the best results, try to cut down on them in the future to reduce staining from substances, such as acids and tannins):

• Coffee, particularly black coffee

• Brown or colored sodas

• Black tea

• Red wine

• Dark beer

• Sweet and unsweet tea

• Fruit juice

Keep in mind that most of these beverages are staining in the long run. Your cosmetic dentistry results will last longer if you can cut down on these drinks in the future.

Foods and drinks that are safe to consume after laser teeth whitening

Patients don’t have to avoid eating and drinking after laser teeth whitening. Foods that are safe to eat after the procedure include:

• Chicken and turkey

• White fish

• Rice

• Pasta

• White or yellow potatoes (preferably with the skin peeled off)

• White Bread (preferably with the crust removed)

• Egg whites

Drinks that are safe to consume following laser teeth whitening include:

• Water

• Milk

• Apple juice

• Green tea

Whiten your teeth in NYC with celebrity dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman

In addition to avoiding teeth-staining foods after cosmetic dentistry for teeth whitening, patients should also brush and floss teeth at least twice a day and use a mouthwash.

If you have any questions about the Philips Zoom! White Speed procedure performed by top celebrity dentist Dr. Victoria Veytsman, contact Cosmetic Dental Studios in New York City.