I recently read, with amusement, a human-interest story about someone whose teeth turned green after consuming copious amounts of green beer at a local Irish pub. Similarly, I recall a patient who, despite being given my list of foods to avoid when whitening your teeth, consumed red wine just a few hours after undergoing in-office tooth whitening. She appeared at my “doorstep” the next morning with purple-hued teeth!
And while I happen to fancy green and purple (along with blue and pink), these colors are not associated with beautiful teeth. In fact, in the context of teeth, when I think of green, it’s usually a piece of spinach caught in between someone’s incisors…yuck.
Of course, white teeth are what everyone wants. So much, so that tooth whitening is the most frequently requested cosmetic dental procedure. Over 100 million Americans have whitened or bleached their teeth. As a country, we spend more than 1.4 billion dollars annually on over-the-counter whitening products – all in pursuit of a brighter smile.
Tooth whitening is a safe, non-invasive, and economical way to beautify your appearance when compared to other cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, bonding, or crowns. But some basic dos and don’ts must be recognized to get the best possible results and minimize undesirable outcomes (including a “rainbow” smile).
Before I enumerate what foods and beverages to avoid when whitening your teeth, you should know that it applies to all teeth whitening techniques including in-office bleaching, dentist-prescribed take-home trays, whitening strips, brush-on gels, special toothpaste, etc.
The rule of thumb is this: if the food in question would stain white linen, then it will stain your teeth, especially when they are in the vulnerable state of being whitened. Get the point?
Three Types Of Foods To Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth
1) Avoid Dark-Colored Foods
Have you ever eaten Nacho Chips or Cheez Doodles and noticed how they stain your fingers? You certainly don’t want to transfer that neon orange to your teeth. Think about the color of your tongue after you sucked a lollypop or a cough drop – do you want that color to transfer to your teeth? Of course not!
- Soy Sauce
- Tomato Sauce
- Chili
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Carrots
- Red Meat
- Spinach
- Dark Marinades
- Popsicles
- Chocolate (white chocolate is fine)
- Bright-colored chewing gum
- Cheez Doodles
- Nacho Cheese Chips
- Candy such as Hot Tamales and Red Hots
2) Avoid Dark-Colored Drinks & Sports Beverages
Remember the patient who drank red wine? But don’t worry, white wine is fine, as is vodka, gin, and other clear or light beverages. But stay away from:
- Coffee (if you must have your caffeine fix, drink iced coffee through a straw – no swishing!)
- Tea
- Grape Drinks
- Tomato Juice
- Carrot Juice
- Green Juice (sorry all of you kale juice enthusiasts)
- Gatorade-Type Drinks (red, green, blue, or orange)
- Colas
3) Avoid Acidic Foods & Beverages
Two common side effects of tooth whitening are temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Acidic foods further irritate the gums (and can sting like the dickens!). They increase the sensitivity, as well, especially to cold. Acids are irritants, so stay away from them for about 48 hours following in-office bleaching and for a couple of hours following home bleaching.
- Citrus Fruit
- Vinegar
- Most Sports Drinks
- Vitamin Water
Teeth whitening can work wonders, even, dare I say, even small miracles to beautify your smile. Please follow these simplified guidelines for foods to avoid when whitening your teeth and you will get the best possible results!
As long as you’re here, you may be interested in:
All About Teeth Whitening
The Best At Home Whitening Treatments
4 Things That Can Mess Up Teeth Whitening
Dayi says
Hi! I just got my teeth whitened on Friday and I was wondering when I can go back to eating normally (sprite, red meat, pasta sauce, basically strongly colored foods!)
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Dayi,
Generally a 48-hour period of abstinence after the whitening procedure is usually adequate. However, one must bear in mind that richly-colored foods such as red wine can stain your teeth. I assume that you were given a home program to help maintain your pearly whites. Enjoy.
Dr. Sinkin
Brooke says
I just got my teeth whitened in-office and have been sent home with whitening trays to use for the next 7 days. I understand I should avoid acidic and colored foods/beverages for the first 48 hours. Must I avoid these after 48 hours if I am still doing whitening trays once a day? Am I able to drink white wine/ light colored alcohol? (my bachelorette party is this weekend, poor timing on my part lol)
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Brooke,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. The first 48 hrs is critical as far as dietary restrictions. After that, even while doing your at-home whitening, you don’t have to be quite so strict. White wine is fine. I would avoid red wine and obviously richly colored foods…don’t eat pomegranates…but otherwise enjoy.
Have fun.
Dr. S
Yesenia Campos says
Hello I just had a teeth whitening procedure @9am it’s currently 6pm and I totally forgot about food colors I’m not supposed to have can hot Cheetos mess up my teeth
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Yesenia,
Whoops! In theory, orange food coloring is a no-no. Whether the Cheetos left their mark is to be determined. Fortunately, your indulgence was hours after the whitening process and your teeth may have remineralized to some extent. Time will tell, though. Good luck.
Dr.Sinkin
Alexis says
I am doing an at-home teeth whitening gel tray treatment that is supposed to last for 2 weeks. I’ve been doing it for 2 days now. I apply the gel in the morning and at night for 15-20 minutes. I was wondering since i’m a teenager, does eating certain food and drinks still apply? Also, does hot sauce stain your teeth?
Michael Sinkin says
Hi Alexis,
You should avoid all of the foods on my list and anything that has a strong color, regardless of your age. Best of luck with your new pearly whites!!
Dr. S.
Abbey says
Hi, I’m using the at home Opalescence 10% gel take home trays and unfortunately my standard breakfast was black grapes, blueberries, strawberries, pomegranates and raspberries alongside green tea, which obviously are not recommended during whitening! However I’m struggling with other breakfasts and trying to drink green tea through a straw and having the dark berry breakfast alternate days (after a night off using the trays), is this enough to prevent staining? I’ve on occasion waited a few hours and had the berries a few hours after…I’m not sure how strict to be as it’s not an in office treatment?
Also is dark chocolate ok in the evening? Particularly after taking a night off whitening? Many thanks!
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Abbey,
The question is, how badly do you want whiter teeth? The foods you describe are amongst the worst for whitening (yet fabulously healthy.) You need to abstain from them while actively whitening, even with trays and opalescence. Once you have completed the process you can resume your normal diet with the understanding that all of the foods you listed will stain even the whitest teeth. I am confident that you can achieve pearly whites with appropriate dietary modifications.
Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Kevin says
Dr. Sinkin,
This thread has been very helpful. Do you have any recommendations around brushing: how long should I wait after I brush before applying the strips? How long should I wait after applying the strips before brushing? I’m guessing I should also avoid using my green mouthwash during the two week period?
Thanks
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Kevin,
You need not wait to apply the whitening strips after brushing. Same applies to when you remove them. Just avoid colored toothpaste and mouthwash and use a soft brush. Be well and enjoy your bright white smile.
Dr. Sinkin
Rachel Pasco says
Thank you, Dr. Sinkin! I am glad I read your article. Very good information. I packed me some strawberries to snack on today – I just had my routine teeth whitening (on trays) last night. I had to do some research before a bite and decided not to have any strawberries at all. I am trying to get to the white shade I like before a restorative procedure for my central incisors on 12/16. Thanks again!
Michael Sinkin says
Hi Rachel,
I’m glad you got the answer you were looking for. Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Zoe Sherman says
So I got my teeth whitened at a dentist yesterday and now I’m wondering if I can have syrup on some pancakes. Please help! I’m dying! My dentist said no dark foods for the next 15 DAYS!
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Zoe,
As a food of color, I think dark maple syrup would qualify as a no-no. Light syrup may be OK, but no guarantees. If you still can’t wait, drink plenty of milk or water (milk is preferred) and feel free to swish between each delicious forkful.
Bon Appetit,
Dr. Sinkin
Cherrelle says
Hi. I’ve been using a dentist whitening treatment (putting gel in trays/moulds at night. Im getting a bit concened because the trays are turning pink in places. Do you know why this might be happening?
Kind regards
Cherrelle
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Cherrelle,
You have piqued my curiosity as I must admit that I have not seen what you describe. My initial thoughts present several possible explanations which I will list in the form of questions:
1. Are your gums irritated? Blood from inflamed gums can leach into porosities in the trays and yield a faint reddish hue.
2. Are you thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth before placing the trays? Perhaps the pink color you describe is of dietary origin.
3. Are you using a toothpaste that is not white or are you rinsing with a mouthwash that has red coloring? The pink color could be from the dye present in gel toothpaste or mouthwash.
4. Are you thoroughly cleaning the trays after each use? Some bacteria or mold can be propagating on the trays.
5. Is the staining occurring on both the upper and lower trays – and how old are the trays? Bleaching trays can discolor over time. I am curious if both trays are experiencing the same discoloration.
I suggest you show your dentist the trays. He or she may be able to offer more insight once they see them. If the discoloration is something of concern or due to material defect, a new set can easily be made.
Wishing you a beautiful white and healthy smile,
Dr. Sinkin
Mery says
Hello, Dr.Sinkin
I have a question regarding the management of my teeth withening system, I just started yesterday and it seems there are many do’s and don’t, which are well understandable.
However, I have a question regarding brushing, I usually brush my teeth twice a day, and I did before placing the withening trail at night and after removing them in the morning, with a whitening toothpaste, should I wait after removing them or is it a normal procedure ?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Mery,
Great question. Assuming your whitening toothpaste is indeed white versus some other color (like many of the available and colorful gel toothpaste, on the market, you’re probably ok to not wait.
Remember – brush gently. You might want to consider light brushing after meals, especially while you are whitening, thereby removing stains preemptively.
Good health,
Dr. Sinkin
neil hilary says
Beer? I will drink it as pale as I can!
Neil
Michael Sinkin says
A light beer or a pilsner is the safest choice. Definitely not Guinness Stout or an IPA.
CHEERS!
Max says
I wear a retainer at night. Will they cause a problem if I put them in shortly after I remove the whitening strips?
Also a couple questions. Are apple slices okay to eat? Is cheese alright?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Max,
No problem at all with your retainer. Perhaps you should avoid port wine cheddar. Enjoy your brighter smile.
Dr. Sinkin
as says
thanks for this!
one question, would sparkling water be ok? and ginger tea?
thanks
Michael Sinkin says
Tea in general, including herbal tea, can stain your teeth. Sparkling water is fine in moderation although it is acidic. Try not to swish.
Good Luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Shelia says
Hi iv just started my night time teeth whitening trays, how long after i take them out is it okay for to brush my teeth on the morning ? And is it okay to drink pink grapefruit juice through a straw?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Sheila,
It shouldn’t be a problem if you brushing your teeth right after you remove your trays in the morning, but I assume that you are brushing your teeth before you place them, right? As far as the pink grapefruit juice there are two potential problems: grapefruit juice is very acidic and pink grapefruit juice is…well …pink! I recommend waiting at least 40 minutes before drinking it through a straw, Afterwards, I recommend swishing water in your mouth to diminish the acid on your teeth. But, if you can avoid the juice while you’re bleaching, that’s the best advice.
Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Caitlyn says
Can I eat a slightly pink coloured yoghurt after getting my teeth whitened??
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Caitlyn,
It’s possible that the yogurt contains some artificial red dye. So, my thoughts are this: if you had a recent in-office bleaching procedure, don’t chance it. If you are using a home whitening system, it may be okay, but perhaps you should opt for plain yogurt!
Happy Summer!
Dr. Sinkin
Sheila says
I had my teeth whitened by my dentist. She said to wait 48 hours before eating or drinking dark colored foods. I forgot and had a cola (not through a straw) about 36 hours after and didn’t realize until about 6 hours later, at which time I brushed. I’m not sure if I’m imagining that it slightly stained my teeth. How long should I wait before using teeth whitening strips? Should I avoid the same foods/drinks for period of time after using them? Thanks!
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Sheila,
Whoops!
Go ahead and use the white strips. Wait at least 30 minutes before consuming anything with significant color. Everything should be fine. FYI, immediately brushing your teeth after consuming acidic beverages is a no-no. The acidic liquid can soften the tooth structure and scrubbing it in its softened state can do more harm than good.
Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Lyn young says
My husband is undergoing tray whitening at the moment. Are there any condiments I can put with chicken and fish to liven it up a little. Thank you. Lyn in England!
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Lyn,
Salt, pepper, garlic, ginger….obviously no soy sauce, ketchup, or tomato sauce. Paprika is a no-no as is chili powder. Tartar sauce is fine. Just avoid deep-colored sauces until he has completed the process. Although teeth whitening with trays tend to be less susceptible to demise than the in-office process, patience is a virtue and your husband’s bright pearly whites will be well worth the short-term sacrifice.
Dr. Sinkin
Mairna says
I am doing an at-home teeth whitening gel/tray treatment that is supposed to last for 2 weeks. I apply the gel at night and don’t drink coffee until the next day (around noon). Since I didn’t do an in-office treatment and instead doing the at-home version for a couple of weeks, will drinking coffee hours after my nightly treatment dull the whitening process?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Mairna,
I think that your regimen for home whitening is spot-on. The delay in having coffee allows your teeth to remineralize and I would expect your teeth to brighten/whiten as well as any other technique to enhance their color (assuming that the product you are using is efficacious). The advantage to in-office bleaching is jump-starting the process and getting quicker results.
Wishing you pearly whites,
Dr. Sinkin
Pat says
Good afternoon,
I just got my teeth whitened and definitely don’t want to mess this up.
Wondering if I can eat boiled shrimp. It seems to really be all white, but it does have the little bit of orange on the skin.
Also, can i season with pepper?
Thanks!
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Pat,
Boiled shrimp is perfectly fine as is the pepper. Just hold off on the cocktail sauce. Enjoy your smile.
Dr. Sinkin
Hector says
I whitened my teeth and ate something with a yomato and onion sauce afterwards. I brushed my teeth immediately but now I’m afraid I could have messed up. Is there a way to work around this?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Hector,
I can’t say whether you diminished the whitening results, but red sauce is a no-no. If you were given a home bleaching kit, use it – or try some over-the-counter whitening strips.
Dr. Sinkin
Gosia says
Hello,
I am whitening my teeth (trays with gel) but also I am a smoker. I testrain from smoking now but I can’t imagine not to have just 1 cigarette per day after 24h. Is it really bad if yesterday nigjht (8 oclock) i had trays on and tonight (8 oclock) i will have just one cigarette and brush my teeth immediately?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Gosia,
You realize that you are asking a health professional to condone smoking, right? The tars in cigarette smoke are the real culprits that will promote staining. A sticky film will form on your teeth that will be a magnet for stain. Nicotine isn’t so innocent either – just look at a heavy smoker’s fingers. Smoke that one cigarette if you must, but be diligent about brushing afterward.
Good Health,
Dr. Sinkin
Nikki says
I accidentally ate green beans with vegetarian sausage and soy sauce 4 hours after I got my in office whitening, I brush my teeth immediately right after. It was my fault I didn’t read the instructions carefully. Will it affect my teeth from getting white now bc I assume within 48 hours?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Nikki,
Soy sauce? Not ideal situation, but I would think you would notice a problem with your whitening almost immediately. If you were also fitted with at home bleaching trays, you should be able to undo any staining.
Dr. Sinkin
Jane Mason says
What foods and drinks detailed can you eat while getting an Opalescence treatment
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Jane,
Basically, you would want to avoid any food or drink that is rich in color, including red wine. Certainly, no tomato sauce, red wine or spinach. My rule of thumb is to avoid any food or drink that would leave a color stain if rubbed on a white cotton or linen shirt. Also, highly acidic foods could make your tooth more sensitive.
Enjoy your new smile!
Dr. Sinkin
Joëlle says
Hi, is this thread still open? I’m wondering, you said white wine would be ok, but isn’t that very acidic too?
Just got my teeth in-office bleached today (6 hours ago) and have since then consumed mozzarella, water, some macadamia nuts and tuna. Is that ok?
I also get lots of different informations regarding the time frame, is it 24 hours, 48 hours or even 3 weeks as you said to the question above?
I really like your article btw 🙂
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Joelle,
Yes the thread is still open! Your diet selection is good and I’m glad you’re eating macadamia nuts instead of red dyed pistachios! I advise my patients to avoid foods with color for 36 hours and then to be vigilant with brushing and/or rinsing afterwards. From a bleaching/staining perspective, white wine should be fine, excepts that it is acidic and may cause a bit of transient sensitivity. Swishing with plain water can ameliorate the acidity.
I’m not sure if your dentist also gave you take home bleaching trays which can whiten improve and maintain your results. If not, you can try crest white strips which will not require the same strict dietary considerations.
Enjoy your brighter smile and thank you for reading my article!
Dr. Sinkin
Sheila says
Dear Dr. Sinkin, The title of this post reads “Three foods to avoid…”, but you list 14 foods, 8 drinks, plus anything acidic. My dentist said I should avoid dark colored foods and beverages during the bleaching process (which I think is 8 – 10 days), and for 2 weeks afterward. One of the reasons I have not bleached my teeth is that I can’t imagine not eating tomato sauce, carrots, spinach and chocolate for more than 3 weeks. I will have to make a special menu in advance so that I’m ready, but I know that I will still have a hard time. Could you give a list of “worst offenders”? For instance, are cooked carrots and spinach really that bad? What if the tomato sauce is on pizza, where there really isn’t that much of it? Thank you. Sheila
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Sheila,
Thanks for reaching out. After reading your post I have a question for you: how badly do you want whiter teeth? The more you adhere to the dietary restrictions, the better will be the results. Tomato sauce, red wine, cranberry juice and anything else that might stain a white shirt should be avoided. Remember, it’s only three weeks of avoiding certain foods for a beautiful smile that will last for years.
Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
Faylinn says
I just got my teeth whitened and have been really careful about staying away from tea and coffee. However, I had no idea that I should be careful with most sports drinks too. Would Gatorade fall in that category?
Michael Sinkin says
Dear Faylinn,
Gatorade is certainly a sports drink, but it is really the dark colored beverages, red and blue as examples, that you must be especially careful with. Aside from the pigment, sports drinks tend to be acidic and not great for your newly whitened teeth. Particular care must be taken especially in the short-term following bleaching procedures. With the passage of time, the dentinal tubular close-up making them less vulnerable to food coloring.
That said, deeply colored foods and drinks will discolor anyone’s teeth given enough time and frequency of consumption. So, at least for a while, I would stay away from Gatorade.
Dr Sinkin