Teeth whitening strips are a popular and effective method for achieving a brighter smile. The strips lighten teeth over time, taking the shades off and making the users appear much more radiant and youthful.
So if you are using whitening strips, you must be wondering how long after whitening strips can you eat. Well, that's a valid question as whitening strips aftercare is so important as not taking care of your teeth might cause problems.
In this article, we will be discussing how long should you wait to eat after using whitening strips. Besides, we will also discuss some of the foods to avoid and which foods to take.
So, let's get started.
Whitening strips are treatment options applied to the teeth coated with bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The active ingredients in teeth whitening disintegrate stains on the enamel, effectively whitening the teeth. The application of these chemicals temporarily weakens the enamel, making it more porous. This means your teeth are more prone to staining immediately after using whitening strips.
After whitening strip applications, the active ingredients seep through the enamel, pulling out deep-set stains. While effective, this does change the structure of the enamel temporarily; it becomes softer and more porous, meaning your teeth will be more prone to taking colors from foods and beverages. This is why there are specific guidelines about when you can eat after using whitening strips.
Many professionals recommend that one should not eat for at least 30 minutes to an hour after using the whitening strips. Within this period of time, the enamel is able to re-harden and return into a more stable state. This minimizes the risk of discoloration and gives whitening agents adequate time to operate effectively.
1. Preventing Staining: Since your enamel is more porous right after the whitening treatment, consuming foods with strong pigments (such as coffee, berries, or tomato-based products) can quickly stain your teeth.
2. Avoiding Sensitivity: Teeth can be more sensitive after whitening. Eating hot or cold foods immediately after the treatment may cause discomfort due to the increased sensitivity in the enamel.
After whitening strips are used, it's best to avoid foods and beverages that will most likely stain your teeth or further disturb them. Some of the most common offenders include:
● Coffee and Tea: Both are highly pigmented and can stain your teeth, especially when the enamel is in a weakened state.
● Red Wine: Known for its deep red pigments, red wine can quickly undo the effects of your whitening treatment.
● Tomato-Based Products: These are acidic and can cause staining.
● Berries: While healthy, berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries have strong pigments that can seep into porous enamel.
● Soy Sauce and Balsamic Vinegar: These dark liquids can also cause staining.
After waiting the recommended 30 to 60 minutes, one can resume eating; however, still recommended to choose foods that are less likely to stain. Choose:
● White Meat: Chicken or fish are safe options that won't contribute to staining.
● Non-Acidic Vegetables: Broccoli, cucumbers, and celery are great choices.
● Apples and Pears: These fruits are less likely to stain compared to dark berries.
● Rice and Pasta: Plain pasta or rice with light sauces are safe and gentle on your teeth.
While it is best to wait before eating after whitening, if you have to eat or drink sooner, a straw can help reduce the risk of staining. Using a straw helps to direct the liquid or food away from the teeth, limits direct contact between the liquid and the enamel, and hence minimizes the chances of absorption into the porous surface. This, however, is not a substitute for full recommended time, and 30-60-minute waits mercifully are always best.
Even after you have waited for the recommended time, keeping that shiny smile going requires some effort. Following are some tips one can follow for long-term care:
Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, floss to help remove plaque-which will keep your teeth healthy, extend the whitening result, and keep your teeth shining.
Though these staining foods should be avoided right after whitening strips, in general, it is advisable to continue minimizing their consumption long-term. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries are great contributors to new stains over time.
Whitening toothpaste contains ingredients that help in maintenance, making your teeth look shiny and clean by removing minor surface stains. The slight abrasives within the toothpaste gently polish the enamel without causing any damage.
In conclusion, it is advisable to wait approximately at least 30 minutes to an hour before one eats when using whitening strips. At this time, the teeth are generally much more porous, so ingesting foods and drinks which may stain will be very counteractive. When possible, avoid acidic or heavily pigmented foods for up to 48 hours to enable the teeth to retain whiteness and brightness. Thus, by following these simple guidelines and taking good care of the teeth, one will be able to retain their shining smile for longer.
