Top Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Professional Teeth Whitening

Zara Lee Rocky

July 1, 2025

Table of Content

Whitening your teeth professionally is one of the most effective ways to enhance your smile quickly and safely. But your results don’t just depend on the treatment itself—what you do afterwards is just as important.

To maintain that bright, white smile, it’s essential to avoid certain foods and drinks in the days following your treatment. This guide explains exactly what to steer clear of—and why—based on expert dental advice and UK private healthcare best practices.

Why Post-Treatment Care Matters

Professional teeth whitening treatments—such as those offered at private dental clinics—use peroxide-based agents to break down stains on the enamel. This process temporarily opens up the pores of your teeth, making them more porous and vulnerable to staining.

For at least 24–72 hours after your whitening session, your teeth are at higher risk of absorbing pigments and acids from what you consume. Neglecting dietary precautions during this window can dull your results prematurely and even cause discomfort.

Foods to Avoid After Teeth Whitening

Dark-Coloured Foods

Dark or highly pigmented foods are notorious for staining teeth—even when enamel is healthy. Right after whitening, the effect is even worse.

Avoid:

Blueberries, blackberries, cherries
Tomato-based sauces (e.g., pasta sauce, pizza sauce)
Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
Beetroot
Dark chocolate
Curry (turmeric and saffron-heavy)

These foods contain strong chromogens (colour pigments) that can re-stain your freshly whitened enamel almost instantly.

Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can weaken and erode the already-sensitive enamel after whitening, increasing the risk of long-term damage and making staining more likely.

Avoid:

Citrus fruits: oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits
Pickles
Vinegar-based salad dressings
Tomatoes (also a double threat due to acidity and colour)

Sugary and Sticky Foods

After whitening, enamel is temporarily dehydrated and more vulnerable to decay. Sticky or sugary foods can stick to the surface and feed bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities.

Avoid:

Caramel, fudge, toffee
Chewing gum (unless sugar-free)
Sweets and chocolates

Highly Pigmented Spices

Certain spices are deep yellow, red, or orange in colour and can easily stain teeth when enamel is porous.

Avoid:

Turmeric
Paprika
Saffron
Red chilli powder

Even trace amounts of these can tint the teeth and undo your whitening results.

Drinks to Avoid After Teeth Whitening

Coffee and Tea

Both black coffee and tea (even green and herbal types like rooibos) are rich in tannins, which bind to enamel and cause yellowing.

Avoid:

Black coffee
English breakfast tea
Green tea
Herbal teas with strong colour (hibiscus, rooibos)

If you absolutely must have coffee, use a straw and add milk to dilute the colour.

Red and White Wine

Red wine is acidic and darkly pigmented—a dangerous combination for freshly whitened teeth. Surprisingly, white wine isn’t much better, as its high acidity increases enamel porosity.

Avoid:

Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio

Fizzy Drinks and Energy Drinks

These drinks are acidic, sugary, and often coloured with artificial dyes—all of which can erode enamel and stain your teeth.

Avoid:

Cola and other dark fizzy drinks
Lemonade (despite its light colour, it’s very acidic)
Sports and energy drinks

Fruit Juices

Even though they’re marketed as healthy, most fruit juices are high in sugar and acids, and some are deeply coloured.

Avoid:

Grape juice
Cranberry juice
Pomegranate juice
Orange and grapefruit juice

What Can You Eat and Drink Instead?

Welcome to the “white diet”—a temporary eating plan recommended after whitening that avoids pigments and acids.

Safe Food Choices:

Plain chicken or turkey
White fish
Cauliflower, potatoes (without gravy)
Plain rice and pasta
Eggs
White bread (without crusty coatings)
Cottage cheese, yoghurt (unflavoured)

Safe Drinks:

Still water
Coconut water
Milk
Clear or lightly coloured smoothies (e.g., banana and almond milk)

How Long Should You Avoid These Foods and Drinks?

The most crucial period is the first 24–48 hours post-treatment. However, for best results and lasting whiteness, you should ideally be cautious for up to 7 days. Gradually reintroduce darker or acidic items, and make sure you maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout.

Additional Aftercare Tips for Brighter Results

Use a straw for any drinks that may cause staining
Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking
Wait 2–4 hours post-treatment before brushing, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Avoid smoking, as tobacco is a major cause of staining
Book regular hygiene appointments to keep your teeth professionally clean

When to Speak to Your Dentist

If you experience:

Rapid return of discolouration
Gum irritation or inflammation
Ongoing tooth sensitivity after several days
…contact your dentist. You may need tailored aftercare advice or an alternative whitening product in future.

Conclusion

Your teeth whitening journey doesn’t end at the clinic—it continues with what you eat and drink at home. Avoiding the wrong foods and drinks after your treatment helps preserve your results, protect your enamel, and maximise the glow of your new smile.

Visit here for professional teeth whitening in London and get expert advice on how to keep your smile radiant for the long term. Book your consultation with a trusted private dentist today.

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