Did you know that the demand for cosmetic dentistry has doubled over the last decade? These days, more patients than ever before are opting for treatments like teeth whitening to brighten their smiles and send their confidence soaring. If you’ve recently joined this club and unlocked your smile’s potential, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to ensure your results last. Believe it or not, adding certain foods to your diet can make a noticeable difference! Continue reading to learn more.
What Foods Should I Eat Following Teeth Whitening Treatment?
You probably hear quite a lot about the different types of foods and beverages that are capable of staining teeth – coffee, red wines and sauces, and dark-colored berries tend to be at the center of this spotlight. However, it’s equally worthwhile to know which foods naturally whiten teeth and preserve whitening results! Here are some examples:
- Apples, Carrots, Cauliflower, and Celery – These healthy fruits and veggies act like natural stain removers by increasing the mouth’s saliva production. They’re also so crunchy that they can naturally scrub teeth clean to a certain extent.
- Oranges and Pineapples – Tart fruits like oranges and pineapples also increase saliva production; beware of using citrus fruits directly on the teeth, though, as their high levels of acidity can harm enamel.
- Strawberries – These fruits might be darker in color, but they actually contain an enzyme known as malic acid, which is a natural teeth whitener.
- Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese – Dairy products contain lactic acid, which can shield the teeth from decay. Researchers also believe the proteins in these dairy products can bind to teeth and prevent harmful acids from causing cavities.
How Else Can I Keep My Teeth Bright and White?
Your diet plays a very large part in keeping your teeth healthy and vibrant, especially following teeth whitening treatment. However, it’s not the only relevant factor. Here are some ways you can ensure lasting whitening results outside of monitoring your diet:
- Practice great oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing every day, especially after meals and before going to sleep.
- Maintain your routine dental checkups and cleanings; your provider can also touch up your whitening results as needed in the future.
- Avoid bad oral habits like smoking or using tobacco products. Likewise, habits that can physically harm the teeth, such as using your teeth as tools, might also damage the enamel and lead to unsightly discoloration.
Your dentist is also happy to provide you with guidelines for keeping your whitening results intact, but simply adjusting your diet and making sensible choices is often enough to have a huge impact. Don’t shy away from some of these nutritious choices; your smile and body will thank you!
About the Practice
Our team here at Midtown Family Dentistry has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Dallas and the surrounding DFW metroplex for several years, offering a wide range of cosmetic treatment options including teeth whitening for those patients hoping to brighten their smile and boost their confidence. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or by phone for additional information. Telephone: (469) 529-6016.