Teeth Whitening: How Soon Can I Eat Normally?
by Avila Dental
Do you dream of having a dazzling white smile that can light up a room?
Teeth whitening may be the answer for which you’re looking.
According to a survey by Statista…click to read more in a new tab…, approximately 35M people will use teeth whitening in 2024.
If you’ve recently undergone a teeth whitening treatment or are considering one, you might wonder: “How long do I have to wait to enjoy a tasty treat afterward?”
In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about eating after teeth whitening and how to maintain your new smile.
How Soon Can You Eat After Teeth Whitening?
The answer to this question depends on the type of teeth whitening procedure.
If you opted for an in-office whitening procedure, you could eat and drink immediately after the process, but you should avoid staining foods and drinks for at least 24 hours.
Avoid foods such as
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Tomato sauce
If you had an at-home whitening procedure, you might need to be more cautious about what you eat and drink, as the process may take longer.
Most at-home whitening products require you to wear a special tray or strip for a certain amount of time each day, during which you should avoid eating or drinking anything that could stain your teeth.
It would help if you also avoid smoking or using any tobacco products.
Avila Dental provides in-office teeth whitening services as well as a take-home kit.
Dr. Bello and her dental team here at Avila Dental are always here to guide you in taking the best care of your smile.
Advantages of teeth whitening
Teeth whitening has numerous aesthetic and mood-changing advantages. Some of the most notable benefits are as follows.
Whiter smile
A whiter smile can positively influence patients, improve their mood and confidence, and create a favorable impression on others.
Improves confidence
Socially, having a healthy mouth and smile are highly valued, so having whiter teeth can give you more confidence and security.
It encourages good oral hygiene
Teeth whitening requires good oral hygiene to be maintained once the treatment has been performed.
Rapid results
Teeth whitening requires three to four sessions, which is possible in a single appointment. Unlike many dental treatments, the results of teeth whitening are speedy.
Painless process
Dental treatments involve some or little discomfort for patients at the clinic and, sometimes, afterward. Teeth whitening is entirely pain-free.
How long does teeth whitening last?
The length of time that teeth whitening lasts depends on the person and the level of care and maintenance.
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as six months, and it varies from person to person.
Things that will stain your teeth and make your whitening short-lived include:
- Smoking
- Dark liquids
- Red wine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Beetroot
- Berries
You should avoid these foods but don’t have to cut them out entirely.
How to maintain your color between touch-ups
- Good oral hygiene
- Brushing and flossing
- A whitening toothpaste
- Regular dental hygienist visits
- Avoiding sticky and chewy foods
- Avoiding foods and drinks that easily stain
- Using a straw for drinking liquids that may stain
Brushing your teeth twice daily and avoiding staining foods will help keep your teeth whiter for longer.
The recommended way to maintain your teeth is to practice good oral hygiene. Call us today to discover how you can improve your smile through whitening.
Or contact us by:
- Phone: 206-420-3836
- Email: welcome@aviladental.com
Our office is in Seattle, WA, and serves surrounding communities, including Northgate, North Seattle, Pinehurst, Maple Leaf, and Victory Heights.
