A list of what not to do

At Paramount Dental Sydney, we know there’s nothing better than a set of newly whitened teeth. To keep them bright and fresh there are a few things that you should avoid, and the first three days are when to be most vigilant.

Drinks to avoid

There are some drinks that have strong, pigmented colouring and these colours can be like a magnet to white teeth. In the early days after treatment, it is best to avoid the following drinks altogether. Later, if you can’t get by without them, try using a straw.

Red wine
Tea
Coffee
Fruit juice
Smoothies
Beer
Tomato juice
Soft drinks

Foods to avoid

Much like drinks, there are also a few foods out there that are out get your beautiful white teeth. Acidic and greasy foods, some fruits and anything using artificial food colouring should be taken off the menu. These include:

Dark and milk chocolate
Red meat
Fruits such as mango, kiwi, plums, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits
Carrots
Spinach
Beetroot
Sauces like tomato, BBQ and soy
Spices such as turmeric, curry, paprika etc.
Pasta dishes with rich tomato bases

You should avoid acidic and sugary, chewy foods as well. These can weaken the structure of the teeth and also cause damage on the surface of the teeth which have freshly gone through a whitening procedure by.

Cookies
Ice cream
Lollies and toffee
Balsamic vinegar (or other types of vinegar as well)
Soft drinks

No Smoking

We’d love all of our patients to give up smoking regardless of whether or not they have their teeth whitened but, smoking does have a particularly negative effect on the colour of your teeth. Those that smoke will generally find they are prone to yellow or even brown stains. By giving up cigarettes you not only get to keep your teeth whiter for longer – you also avoid the many health risks associated with smoking.

Leave Lipstick Alone

Eventually, a bright shade of lipstick will look amazing against your freshly whitened teeth however, it’s recommended you avoid wearing lipstick for a couple of days as it may leave behind a residue on your teeth that can stain.

Avoid additional whitening

At home whitening kits are great for maintenance but, you should avoid using these for a couple of weeks. Overuse of whitening gels can cause painful teeth sensitivity so always listen to your dentist’s advice.

Final tip: If something can stain a white t-shirt, it can generally stain your teeth so steer clear.

Ready for a new white smile? Find out more about the teeth whitening options here or get in contact with the team today to book in an appointment.