What to Eat After Teeth Whitening

Getting your teeth whitened is a simple way to brighten your smile and boost self-confidence. But eating the wrong foods after teeth whitening can quickly put a damper on those benefits. 

What you consume after a teeth-whitening procedure may delay or decrease the results that you’ve been dreaming of. Knowing the right and wrong foods to incorporate into your diet will ensure the best results.

Generally, you should avoid things that will cause more stains or increase sensitivity. But it's not that simple. Let's dive deeper into what you should and shouldn't eat after teeth whitening and why.

Why do you need to watch what you eat after teeth whitening?

You need to adjust your diet immediately after teeth whitening because certain foods can make the procedure less effective. 

During the teeth-whitening process, your dentist or hygienist will apply a series of products to your teeth. These products help open the pores on the outer layer of your teeth, allowing the  whitening bleach to penetrate the inner layer and give your teeth the whiter shade you want.

After the procedure, it takes some time for the pores on your enamel to close. Your teeth can absorb pigments from the food you eat during this time (similar to how they absorb bleach during the procedure). Exposure to stain-causing pigments can reduce or eliminate the whitening effects you hoped for.

Your teeth are also very susceptible to cavities during this time. It's easy for sugar to get into the open pores on your teeth. So eliminate sugary foods after the procedure. 

What are the best foods to eat after teeth whitening?

The best foods to eat after teeth whitening include lighter-colored foods that are low in carbohydrates, sugar, and acid. This is commonly called a "white diet" and can make planning and shopping for meals tricky. 

Here’s a detailed list of some of the best foods to eat after teeth whitening.

Breakfast

Consider the following options for your first meal of the day: 

• Plain yogurt (Greek yogurt often has less sugar than regular yogurt)

• Scrambled eggs (egg whites have less yellow pigment)

• A bagel with cream cheese or butter

• Plain oatmeal made with water or skim milk

• Nonsugary cereals with skim milk

Lunch and dinner

There are plenty of lunch and dinner choices to keep you full and protect your teeth. These include: 

• Sandwiches (with lightly pigmented condiments like mayo)

• Proteins like chicken or turkey

• Tofu

• White rice

• White fish, such as cod or sea bass 

• Pastas (with creamy white sauces like alfredo)

• White vegetables like cauliflower, onions, and mashed potatoes 

• White breads

Snacks

Snacking throughout the day may lead to an increased risk of cavities, but sometimes a quick bite to eat is necessary. If you find yourself wanting a snack, make sure to keep your whitening results in mind. These are a few options you can consider:

• Hummus

• Pretzels

• Low-acidity fruits like apples, bananas, and pears (to help prevent cavities)

• White cheeses

• Crackers

• Celery

• Nuts

Beverages 

Remember, everything that touches your teeth may affect your whitening results, including what you drink. Try to avoid sugary drinks with staining pigments. Here are several beverages to quench your thirst without staining your teeth. 

• Water (tap water is best because it contains fluoride)

• White tea

• Milk (skim milk contains less sugar)

• Low-sugar vegetable juices 

What foods and drinks should you avoid after teeth whitening?

It’s best to avoid foods high in sugar, carbohydrates, and acid after teeth whitening. You'll also want to steer clear of highly pigmented foods that can stain your teeth. Examples of foods to avoid after teeth whitening include: 

• Red wine

• Coffee

• Green and black teas

• Dark fruits such as blackberries and blueberries

• Red pasta and pizza sauces

• Pigmented condiments such as jellies, mustard, ketchup, and soy sauce

• Sodas (these are acidic, dark, and full of sugar)

• Chocolates and other sweets

• Curry

• Red meats

• Sweet potatoes

You can use the "white shirt test" as a guide — meaning, avoid any foods or drinks that can stain a white shirt. 

How long after teeth whitening can you go back to your regular diet?

It should be safe to resume your regular diet 48 hours after teeth whitening. 

Limiting your diet may seem like a daunting task. But this temporary sacrifice can help you achieve a brighter and whiter smile. Following the "white diet" can also help you maintain the results longer and reduce your risk of cavities and sensitivity from whitening your teeth.

Should you brush your teeth after teeth whitening?

It may be tempting to brush your teeth immediately after teeth whitening for minty fresh breath to go with your beautiful white smile. Brushing and flossing your teeth is essential, but the timing is vital. You’ll want to wait at least 30 minutes after whitening to brush your teeth.

A teeth-whitening procedure may cause minor irritation around your gums. So, brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is best. A hard toothbrush may cause additional irritation.

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Written by:

Zack Youngblood, DMD

Zack Youngblood, DMD, is a dentist who strives to change the general look of dentistry. Before stepping foot in the clinical field, he authored multiple works that helped dental students and dentists find their unique path in dentistry.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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