Teeth whitening in Wheaton is a great way to erase tough stains in your smile that take away from your appearance. However, many patients wonder how they can extend the life of their newly whitened teeth. While the results will never last forever, there are some easy ways to make sure your results last for months, even years in the future. One of the most significant steps you can take is to watch what you eat. Keep reading to learn about the “white diet,” the best foods to maintain your white teeth!
The Important First Weeks After Your Appointment
Most people are unaware that their teeth contain small pores on their surface that allow sensations like pressure and cold. These pores are also responsible for allowing foods and drinks to stain your teeth. Under normal circumstances, these pores remain small. But, after whitening, the gel causes them to temporarily open for around 2 to 3 weeks, making your teeth even more susceptible to staining. That’s why it’s vital to watch what you eat during the weeks after your teeth whitening.
Follow the White Diet
The white diet is simple! As the name may suggest, you can eat foods the color that you want your smile to be. That said, you should avoid foods rich in color like marinara sauce, blueberries, or wine. If you want to get the most out of your whitening treatment, try eating more of these foods:
- White rice
- Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese
- Pasta with white sauce
- White wine
- Chicken and fish
- Water and other clear beverages
- Mashed potatoes
This diet could be healthy in the short term, but it’s important to eat a variety of foods for the best health and nutrition. Remember to only practice the white diet for the first few weeks after treatment.
How Else Can You Maintain Your White Teeth?
While what you eat can really affect the shade of your smile, there are some other steps you can take to maintain your whitening results. Primarily, maintaining an oral health routine consisting of brushing and flossing will keep your smile white by removing daily plaque and bacteria. You can also add a nonalcoholic mouthwash for an extra layer of cleaning.
Additionally, one of the best ways to extend your results is to visit your cosmetic dentist in Wheaton for touchup appointments. This is especially a good idea if you have an important professional or social event on the horizon. That way, you can easily erase small stains both quickly and affordably.
Are you ready to get the most out of your teeth whitening? Whether you just got treatment or are considering it for the future, the white diet will ensure that your bright teeth stay that way well into the future.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Kathy Lam takes pride in offering personalized treatment to her patients for the best results. Dr. Lam provides a lot of treatments that can improve the appearance of the smile, and she always shows her patients how to maintain their results so they can make the most of their investment. For any questions, she can be reached through her website or by phone at (630) 653-7720.