Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that offers a noticeable improvement in the brightness of your smile. Maintaining this newly achieved whiteness requires careful attention to post-treatment care, especially regarding beverage choices. The active bleaching agents temporarily increase the porosity of your tooth enamel, making your teeth highly susceptible to staining from colored liquids. Following a strict “white diet” in the hours immediately following the procedure is the most effective way to preserve your results.
High-Staining Drinks to Avoid
The most significant threat to a newly whitened smile comes from drinks that are both highly pigmented and acidic. For the first 48 hours following the treatment, your tooth enamel is temporarily demineralized, making its microscopic pores open and highly receptive to absorbing color. This process can quickly reverse the whitening effect.
Beverages containing strong color pigments (chromogens) should be avoided entirely during this critical period. This includes black coffee, all types of tea—black, green, or herbal—and red wine, which are notorious for their high chromogen content and staining potential. Dark sodas like cola and root beer pose a double risk due to their dark color and high acidity.
Acidity is a separate concern because it can soften the enamel surface, increasing susceptibility to staining and potential for erosion. Fruit juices, especially dark varieties like cranberry, grape, and tomato, are highly acidic and should be avoided. Even light-colored juices, such as orange or apple, contain acids that can irritate the recently treated enamel. Colored alcoholic beverages are also prohibited, as the combination of color and acid can quickly dull the whiteness.
Clear and Safe Beverage Options
Focusing on liquids that are clear or have very pale coloring helps ensure the longevity of your whitening results. Plain water is the best and safest choice, as it is pH-neutral and helps rinse away any residual staining agents from the mouth. Staying well-hydrated also aids in the process of enamel remineralization, which naturally closes the temporary pores opened during the whitening procedure.
Milk, whether dairy or non-dairy, is another safe option due to its light color and pH-neutral properties. Clear sodas, such as lemon-lime varieties, can be consumed sparingly, but it is important to remember that most carbonated beverages still contain acids that can affect enamel over time. Using a straw for all beverages other than water is a simple yet highly effective technique to minimize liquid contact with the front surfaces of the teeth.
Clear alcoholic spirits like gin or vodka, mixed with water or a clear mixer, are generally safe options if alcohol is consumed. Coconut water is also a hydrating and clear choice that can be safely incorporated into the post-whitening diet. The primary rule for this period is to adhere to liquids that would not stain a white shirt.
Managing Temperature Sensitivity
A common side effect following a whitening procedure is a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity to temperature. This discomfort occurs because the whitening agents briefly allow external stimuli to reach the underlying nerve within the tooth.
To minimize this temporary discomfort, it is advisable to avoid consuming beverages that are extremely hot or cold for the first few days. Opting for liquids that are at room temperature or lukewarm will prevent sharp, shooting pains. This sensitivity typically subsides naturally within 24 to 72 hours as the tooth recovers.
Using a desensitizing toothpaste can also provide relief during this period. For maximum comfort, patients should also avoid rapidly switching between hot and cold beverages, as sudden temperature changes can exacerbate sensitivity.