Quick Answer
What foods should you avoid after whitening your teeth?
The foods to avoid when whitening your teeth are dark-colored foods, dark beverages, and acidic foods and drinks. Steer clear of them for at least 48 hours after in-office whitening, and stay mindful of them throughout any at-home program. Freshly whitened teeth are temporarily more porous, so stains and acids affect them far more easily than usual. The simple test: if a food would stain white linen, skip it while your teeth are still vulnerable.
I recently read, with amusement, about a woman whose teeth turned green after one overly enthusiastic St. Patrick’s Day at an Irish pub, more green beer than actual beer. It reminded me of a patient of mine who ignored my list of foods to avoid when whitening your teeth, had a glass of red wine a few hours after her in-office treatment, and showed up at my office the next morning with teeth the color of a plum. Not a light bruise. A ripe, deep purple plum.
I happen to like green and purple as colors. Just not on teeth. (Somewhere in my head, spinach stuck between your two front teeth still counts as the most avoidable shade of green in dentistry.)
You’re in good company wanting a brighter smile. Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures in the country. Up to 19% of Americans have whitened their teeth, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report summarized by ADA News. It’s a safe, non-invasive, and economical way to improve your smile compared to veneers, bonding, or crowns, but a few basic dos and don’ts make the difference between a bright result and an accidental rainbow.
What Actually Happens To Your Teeth During Whitening
Here’s the part that explains why the timing matters so much. Whitening gels, whether you get them in my chair or in a take-home tray, work by opening up the outer layer of your enamel just enough to lift out the compounds causing extrinsic staining (the surface stains that build up from what you eat and drink, as opposed to staining that starts inside the tooth). While that’s happening, your teeth are temporarily more porous than usual, which is also why temporary sensitivity and mild gum irritation are the most common side effects of the process.
Note: Whitened teeth act like a sponge for about 48 hours. Dark colors, acids, anything that would embarrass a white napkin, all of it soaks in more easily than usual. That’s the whole logic behind the list that’s coming.
That window of extra porosity is exactly when your teeth are most vulnerable to picking up new stains and most likely to react to acid. It closes gradually over about 48 hours after in-office bleaching, which is where the classic rule of thumb comes from: if a food or drink would stain white linen, it’s going to find your teeth even more agreeable.
Three Types Of Foods To Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth
Avoid Dark-Colored Foods
This is the white linen test in action. Tomato sauce, berries, and a good dark marinade are vivid for a reason, and that same pigment that makes marinara so satisfying on pasta will happily settle into vulnerable enamel. If it would leave a mark on a napkin or a white shirt, keep it away from your teeth for the next 48 hours:
- Soy Sauce
- Tomato Sauce
- Chili
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- 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
Note: Somewhere out there is a person who has never bitten into red licorice while wearing whitening trays. I have not met that person.
Avoid Dark-Colored Drinks & Sports Beverages
Red wine is the classic offender. If you’ve ever tried to get a wine stain out of a white tablecloth, you already know why. White wine, vodka, and gin are all fine since they’re light or clear. Stay away from:
- Coffee (if you must have your caffeine fix, drink iced coffee through a straw – no swishing!)
- Tea
- Red wine
- Grape Drinks
- Tomato Juice
- Carrot Juice
- Green Juice (sorry all of you kale juice enthusiasts)
- Gatorade-Type Drinks (red, green, blue, or orange)
- Colas
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
Note: Acidic foods are the one category on this list that isn’t about color at all. Grapefruit won’t stain a thing. It’ll just make your teeth ache like you bit down on tinfoil.
Wine isn’t the only drink with a staining reputation worth knowing about beyond the whitening window, either. I’ve written more on that specific question in Does Drinking Wine Stain My Teeth? if you want the fuller picture.
What To Do During Your Whitening Window
- Wait the full 48 hours after in-office bleaching before returning to dark or acidic foods and drinks.
- Use a straw for coffee or iced tea if you can’t skip it entirely, and skip the swishing.
- Stick to white wine, vodka, or gin for any toast that happens to land during your whitening window.
- Stay consistent with at-home trays and keep watching what you eat immediately after each session, not just on day one.
- Ask before you assume about anything not on this list. A quick question saves you a surprise in the mirror.
Final Thoughts
Whitening works miracles for a smile, and the results hold up best when you give your teeth a short break from stains and acid right after treatment. Skip the foods to avoid when whitening your teeth for the first 48 hours and you’ll get the bright, even result you’re after instead of an accidental rainbow.
If you’ve got a big event coming up and want to time your whitening around it, or you’re just ready to talk about what would work best for your teeth, I’d love to see you in the chair.
For New Yorkers Looking For A Dentist They Can Trust
If you are in New York City and looking for a dentist who will give you straight answers without a lecture, my team and I would be glad to meet you. Visit us at our Midtown Manhattan dental office for an experience built on clarity, warmth, and genuine care.
Whether you have questions about teeth whitening, what to avoid, or how to make your results last, you will leave with real information and a plan.
You may have just found your new dental home.
Call us today to book your appointment, we look forward to meeting you!
Frequently Asked Questions: Foods To Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth
1. What are the foods to avoid when whitening your teeth, and for how long?
Skip anything dark-colored or acidic, including coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, and citrus, for a strict 48 hours after in-office whitening and a couple of hours after each at-home session. Your enamel is temporarily more porous during that window, so it picks up stains faster than usual.
2. Can I still drink coffee after whitening if I use a straw?
A straw helps by keeping coffee off your front teeth, but it’s not a full workaround during the first 48 hours. After that window, a straw genuinely cuts down on contact. If you can’t skip coffee entirely, iced coffee through a straw, no swishing, is your best middle ground.
3. Is dark chocolate okay during an at-home whitening tray program?
I’d treat dark chocolate the same as any other dark, richly pigmented food and avoid it, especially right after a tray session. White chocolate is the safer swap since it carries none of the staining compounds. Save the dark chocolate for after your whitening program wraps up.
4. Can I brush my teeth right before or after using whitening strips?
Yes, you don’t need to wait either way. You can brush right before applying strips or trays and right after removing them. Just skip colored toothpaste and mouthwash during your whitening program, since the pigment works against you, and stick with a soft-bristled brush.
5. Should I tell my dentist if I slipped up on the food list during whitening?
Yes, always. If you had any of the foods to avoid when whitening your teeth sooner than recommended, or you’re noticing new sensitivity or uneven color, mention it at your next visit. It helps your dentist judge how your results are holding up and whether your home routine needs any adjustment.
While You're Here…
About The Author
Dr. Michael Sinkin is a NYC general and implant dentist located in Midtown Manhattan with over 40 years in practice. He is also a Surgical Director at NYU College of Dentistry’s Continuing Education Implant Program. Dr. Sinkin has built his practice around one idea: exceptional dental care with a heart.
52 Responses
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!
Hi Rachel,
I’m glad you got the answer you were looking for. Good luck!
Dr. Sinkin
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!
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
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
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
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 ?
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
Beer? I will drink it as pale as I can!
Neil
A light beer or a pilsner is the safest choice. Definitely not Guinness Stout or an IPA.
CHEERS!
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?
Dear Max,
No problem at all with your retainer. Perhaps you should avoid port wine cheddar. Enjoy your brighter smile.
Dr. Sinkin
thanks for this!
one question, would sparkling water be ok? and ginger tea?
thanks
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
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?
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
Can I eat a slightly pink coloured yoghurt after getting my teeth whitened??
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
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!
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
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!
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
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?
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
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!
Dear Pat,
Boiled shrimp is perfectly fine as is the pepper. Just hold off on the cocktail sauce. Enjoy your smile.
Dr. Sinkin
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?
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
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?
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
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?
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
What foods and drinks detailed can you eat while getting an Opalescence treatment
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
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 🙂
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
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
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
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?
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