Aftercare Instructions

So you’ve taken the plunge and decided to invest in a Brighter Smile. You’ve had your cosmetic teeth whitening treatment and your new smile is sparkling white! Congratulations! But what comes next?

Following the whitening procedure, the teeth become more porous and therefore they absorb more of the pigment to which they are exposed. This means 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.’ Failure to follow this advice can result in instant dramatic re-staining. An easy rule to remember is anything that will stain your fabric, will stain your teeth, So Avoid it!

To make planning your post treatment meals a little easier, here is list of Food & Beverage Do’s & Don’ts:

teeth whitening aftercare instructions

Do’s and Don’ts

Non-staining Beverages

  • Water
  • Sparkling Water
  • Milk

Foods to avoid

  • Try to avoid foods with colour. The more colourful, the more likely it can stain your teeth.

  • Coloured fruit and vegetables, ie capsicum, carrots and orange fruits and vegetables
  • Broccoli, spinach and green vegetables
  • Dark and milk chocolate
  • Rye and dark bread
  • Tomatoes and red sauces such as spaghetti
  • Curries and pickles
  • Berries
  • Beetroot
  • Butter and margarine
  • Coloured Lollies

Non-staining alcoholic drinks

  • Vodka
  • Gin
  • White Wine
  • Champagne

Alcoholic drinks to avoid

  • Red Wine
  • Stout
  • Dark Beer or Stout
  • Coloured Mixed Drinks
  • Coloured Cocktails
  • Dark Spirits

Foods you can have

  • Chicken
  • White Fish
  • White Rice
  • White Pasta
  • White Sauce
  • Cauliflower
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Potatoes (No skin)
  • Bananas
  • Peeled Apples

Beverages to avoid

  • Lemonade

  • Orange Juice

  • Any acidic Juices

  • Teas and Coffees
  • Cola and other fizzy drinks
  • Energy Drinks

Additional Information

Avoid extremely hot or cold liquids. These are dangerous to your white smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change (hot and cold cycling) causes teeth to expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate your teeth. Try cutting down on these types of drinks (including coffee and tea) or try drinking them with a straw to reduce the amount of time they are in contact with your teeth.

Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic. Acidic foods and beverages open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to more easily penetrate your teeth. Use a straw to help minimize the contact of these substances with your teeth.

Cut back on drinking and smoking. Frequent consumption of alcoholic drinks and heavy smoking can reverse the effects of teeth whitening. Many alcoholic drinks such as wine have tannins that can stain the teeth. The same goes for the nicotine in tobacco. If you cannot quit drinking and smoking, at least try and reduce the frequency. Alcohol also reduces your resolve to avoid food which may stain your teeth.

Use smudge-proof lipstick. Use smudge-proof lipstick to keep lipstick from getting on your teeth because regular lipstick can stain teeth. Also avoid tinted lip balm.

For long lasting results, be sure to follow The White Diet after every teeth whitening treatment.

PRO TIP: Should you accidentally consume something darkly or brightly coloured in this initial 48 Hour period, brush your teeth straight after to minimise the exposure.