So you’ve taken the plunge and invested in a brighter smile. Congratulations! Following the whitening procedure, your teeth are more porous and absorb more of the pigment they are exposed to. For the next 24-48 hours it is critical to avoid dark and brightly coloured foods that can stain your newly whitened teeth. This is commonly known as ‘The White Diet.’
An easy rule to remember: anything that will stain your fabric, will stain your teeth. So avoid it!
YOUR AFTERCARE AT A GLANCE
01
Skip colour for 48 hours
Avoid dark and brightly coloured foods and drinks. Stick to the White Diet after every treatment for long lasting results.
02
Mind the temperature and acid
Avoid very hot or cold drinks and acidic foods. Use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
03
Cut back on drinking and smoking
Wine tannins and nicotine can reverse your results. Use smudge-proof lipstick and avoid tinted lip balm.
FOOD & DRINK GUIDE
Try to avoid foods with colour. The more colourful, the more likely it can stain your teeth.
Foods you can have
✓ Chicken
✓ White fish
✓ White rice
✓ White pasta
✓ White sauce
✓ Cauliflower
✓ Cottage cheese
✓ Potatoes (no skin)
✓ Bananas
✓ Peeled apples
Foods to avoid
✕ Coloured fruit and vegetables, e.g. capsicum, carrots, orange fruits
✕ Broccoli, spinach and green vegetables
✕ Dark and milk chocolate
✕ Rye and dark bread
✕ Tomatoes and red sauces
✕ Curries and pickles
✕ Berries
✕ Beetroot
✕ Butter and margarine
✕ Coloured lollies
Drinks you can have
✓ Water
✓ Sparkling water
✓ Milk
✓ Vodka
✓ Gin
✓ White wine
✓ Champagne
Drinks to avoid
✕ Red wine
✕ Stout and dark beer
✕ Coloured mixed drinks and cocktails
✕ Dark spirits
✕ Lemonade
✕ Orange juice and any acidic juices
✕ Tea and coffee
✕ Cola and other fizzy drinks
✕ Energy drinks
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Avoid extremely hot or cold liquids
These change the temperature of your teeth. This hot and cold cycling makes teeth expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate. Try cutting down on these drinks (including coffee and tea) or drink them with a straw.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and beverages open up the pores of the tooth enamel, so stains can penetrate more easily. Use a straw to help minimise contact with your teeth.
Cut back on drinking and smoking
Frequent alcoholic drinks and heavy smoking can reverse the effects of whitening. Wine has tannins that stain, and so does the nicotine in tobacco. If you cannot quit, at least reduce the frequency. Alcohol also weakens your resolve to avoid staining foods.
Use smudge-proof lipstick
Regular lipstick can stain teeth, so use a smudge-proof one to keep it off your teeth. Also avoid tinted lip balm.
PRO TIP
Should you accidentally consume something dark or brightly coloured in the first 48 hours, brush your teeth straight after to minimise the exposure. For long lasting results, follow The White Diet after every whitening treatment.
NEED A HAND?
Not sure about something after your treatment? Get in touch with the clinic and we will help.
