You should wait at least 48 to 72 hours before eating normally after your teeth have been whitened. This is because your teeth will be more porous after a teeth whitening session, and darker foods like berries, coffee, chocolate, or coloured soft drinks may cause staining.
This is important to note since you’ll want to prolong your teeth whitening for as long as possible. For the first 3 days, stick to safe, stain-free options like white rice, skinless chicken, scrambled eggs, bananas, and mashed potatoes to protect your results and maintain your stunning new smile.
Our experienced team at Radiant Smiles Dental Care have some advice for you on how to manage eating after your teeth have been whitened. So, read on to get your most frequently asked questions answered.
What Foods are Safe to Eat After Teeth Whitening?
Foods that are safe to eat 2 hours after teeth whitening include white varieties like rice, popcorn, mash, cauliflower, and scrambled eggs. These foods are not only light in colour, but they’re also non-acidic, which will give your teeth time to mineralise after the whitening process.
Remember to eat before you have professional teeth whitening done. Rinse your mouth afterwards and be prepared not to eat anything for 2 hours after the process. Once the 2 hours are up, you can safely eat foods that are non-acidic and sugar-free. These foods should preferably be white or light in colour.
Different Types of Teeth Whitening and How Long After You Can Eat Normally
Different teeth whitening processes call for different precautions when it comes to eating afterwards. Here’s a quick reference explaining different processes as well as their time frame for eating safe and unsafe foods.
| Whitening Method | Time Until Normal Eating | Safe Foods | Unsafe Foods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Whitening | 24 to 48 hours | White rice, pasta, skinless chicken, yoghurt | Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce |
| Zoom Whitening | 24 to 48 hours | White fish, tofu, plain eggs, cauliflower | Curry, soy sauce, beets, dark sodas |
| Crest Whitening Strips | 1 to 2 hours | Bananas, peeled apples, plain bread | Citrus fruits, coloured sauces, black tea |
| At-Home Whitening Kits | 1 to 2 hours | Oatmeal, mashed potatoes, skinless turkey | Energy drinks, chocolate, acidic foods |
| Charcoal Whitening | Immediate | Most foods | Highly pigmented foods, acidic juices |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Gel (Custom Trays) | 1 to 2 hours | Cottage cheese, white cheese, plain crackers | Blueberries, pomegranates, tomato juice |
Bear in mind that professional teeth whitening, like the procedure done at Radiant Smiles Dental Care, leaves your teeth vulnerable to staining. So, it’s good to know which foods to avoid, as we’ll discuss next.
What Foods Should You Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth?
Foods to avoid for at least 2 days after whitening your teeth include coffee, soft drinks, tea, chocolate, and brightly coloured foods like berries, beetroot, and pomegranates. You also should avoid sugar and sushi because of the accompanying soy sauce.
Dark-coloured and sugary foods (even flavoured yoghurt) have an acidic effect on your teeth. This causes staining when your teeth are more vulnerable. Your teeth need time to mineralise via saliva — this process takes approximately 2 to 3 days.
What Should You do After a Professional Teeth Whitening Procedure?
Because your teeth are more sensitive and vulnerable after professional teeth whitening, you should follow these guidelines:
- Do not consume sugary, acidic, or dark or brightly coloured food or drinks
- Don’t smoke or vape for at least 48 hours
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently and in a circular motion for the first 2 days
- Floss at least once a day
- Drink lots of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly after every meal
- Stay away from extremely hot or cold foods to prevent tooth sensitivity
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dental hygienist 6 months after your teeth whitening session
How Long After Tooth Whitening Strips Can You Eat Normally?
You should wait around 2 hours after using tooth whitening strips before you eat normally. This gives your teeth time to rehydrate and recover enamel. Your teeth are more porous in the first 2 hours after using teeth whitening strips, which makes them susceptible to stains from brightly coloured foods.
It’s always best to play it safe after using teeth whitening strips. So, do not eat sugary and brightly coloured foods for at least 2 days afterwards. This will give your teeth enough time to fully recover enamel and mineralisation. Moreover, your teeth will become less porous after 2 days.
How Long After Home Teeth Whitening Can Normal Eating Commence?
You should wait at least 2 hours after using gel trays, whitening pens, and LED light kits before eating normally. These guidelines apply to most forms of home teeth whitening. You should also avoid sugar and dark or brightly coloured foods for 2 days for the best results.
FAQs on How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Eat Normally?
How often should you whiten your teeth?
You should whiten your teeth once a year if done professionally. Alternatively, you can whiten your teeth at home using various methods. In many cases, home teeth whitening methods require consistent applications that must be carried out every day for 2 or 3 weeks.
Are chips okay to eat after teeth whitening?
Yes, it’s safe to eat chips after having your teeth whitened. However, do not eat any dips or sauces along with the chips. You should also leave salt, and especially vinegar, off your chips when eating them, since these have an acidic effect on the teeth and can cause staining.
How long after teeth whitening can I drink coffee or tea?
It’s best to wait 24 to 48 hours after whitening teeth before drinking coffee or tea. Because of their dark colours, coffee, and tea can stain teeth during a time when they are more susceptible to staining due to high porousness and lack of mineralisation.
How long do gums stay white after teeth whitening?
Gums will return to their normal colour within a few hours after teeth whitening, depending on how sensitive your gums are to the whitening agent. Gums appearing whiter after professional teeth whitening is completely normal and only temporary. However, if normal colour does not return, consult your teeth whitening professional or dentist for advice.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening can last up to 12 months. The duration of the white appearance on teeth also depends on what foods you typically eat and how much coffee or tea you drink every day. Brushing regularly will also prolong the whitened effect.
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