Foods to Avoid After Zoom Teeth Whitening

Zoom Teeth Whitening is a brilliant way of brightening your teeth. However, many people don't know that certain foods must be avoided after this dental procedure. Read on to learn more about foods that should be avoided post-Zoom Whitening treatment.

Liquids and foods with Strong or Dark Colors

Dark-colored liquids can quickly reverse the results of your treatment. The worst offenders include tea, soda, red wine, and coffee. If you can't resist having one of these drinks, use a straw and avoid contact with your teeth as much as possible.

In addition to avoiding dark-colored liquids, you should avoid eating foods that stain your teeth. This includes blueberries, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and curry. If you mistakenly eat any of these foods, brush your teeth immediately afterward.

Foods that Contain Added Colorants

Various colorants are commonly added to food, and each can affect your newly whitened teeth. Here are a few common colorants to avoid after getting your teeth whitened:

  • Artificial colors-These are synthetic dyes used to enhance the appearance of food. They can be derived from coal tar or petroleum and cause staining and teeth discoloration.
  • Natural colors-These come from plants or minerals, and while they may be less likely to cause staining, they can still discolor teeth.
  • Caramel coloring- This is a common form of added colorant made by heating sugar. It can cause tooth enamel to weaken and lead to staining.

If you are unsure whether a food contains an added colorant, it's always best to check the ingredients list. If you eat something with added coloring, brush your teeth afterward to remove residual pigment.

Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can cause severe damage to your teeth after a Zoom teeth whitening treatment. A few different types of acids can be found in food, and each can affect your teeth differently. Some of the most common types of acid that you'll find in food are citric acid, lactic acid, and acetic acid.

It's crucial to avoid acidic foods such as lemons, oranges, and grapes for the first 24 hours. This will give your teeth time to recover from the treatment and help prevent further damage. After 24 hours, you can slowly start reintroducing acidic foods into your diet, but don't forget to brush your teeth thoroughly afterward.

Foods That Are Safe To Eat

Here is a list of some safe foods to eat after a zoom whitening procedure:

  • Yogurt
  • Bread
  • White rice
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Nuts
  • Protein shakes
  • Peeled potatoes

How long after treatment before you can normally eat again?

You should generally begin eating normally within 24-72 hours. Adhering to a strict diet 48 hours after the procedure will reduce the probability of significantly staining your teeth.

Professional Zoom Teeth Whitening in Solana Beach, CA

Years of consuming wine, coffee, and tea can discolor your teeth to a point where over-the-counter whitening strips and regular brushing are ineffective. At Alex Erwin, DDS, we use zoom teeth whitening technology to remove minor and deep-level stains from your teeth. Call (858) 755-1189 today to schedule a teeth whitening or learn about other dental treatment procedures. Solana Beach dentist Dr. Alex and the team are looking forward to seeing you!

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