Best Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Teeth Whitening (and What’s Safe)

You have just completed a course of professional teeth whitening and you are pleased with the results. Now what? One of the most common questions patients ask is what they can eat and drink straight after whitening — and what they should try to avoid. The good news is that the guidance is straightforward and temporary. Short-term choices in the first 24 to 48 hours can make a noticeable difference to how quickly new stains appear, so it is worth knowing which foods to avoid after teeth whitening and which are generally considered safe.

Why Your Teeth May Be More Prone to Staining Right After Whitening

During whitening, the active gel works by breaking down stain molecules within the tooth enamel. This process can temporarily make the enamel slightly more porous and responsive to colour-changing substances. Think of it as a brief window during which your teeth are more susceptible to picking up new discolouration from highly pigmented foods and drinks.

This is one of the reasons why dentists providing professional teeth whitening treatment include specific aftercare advice for the first day or two following each whitening session. The heightened susceptibility is temporary — the enamel returns to its normal state relatively quickly — but taking care during this period helps protect the results you have worked to achieve.

High-Stain Drinks to Limit Straight After Whitening

In the first 24 to 48 hours after whitening, it is generally advisable to limit or avoid drinks that are known to stain teeth. Common examples include:

• Coffee — one of the most frequent causes of surface staining, especially when consumed dark and unsweetened
• Tea — black tea in particular contains tannins that cling to enamel; green and herbal teas tend to be lighter but can still contribute
• Red wine — highly pigmented and acidic, making it one of the most staining beverages
• Cola and dark fizzy drinks — the combination of colour and acidity can accelerate new staining
• Dark fruit juices — such as grape, cranberry, and blackcurrant juice
• Energy drinks and sports drinks — many contain artificial colourings that can transfer to the enamel

If you do choose to have any of these, sipping water between drinks can help rinse away pigment. Some dentists also suggest using a straw for cold drinks to reduce direct contact with the front teeth, though this is a matter of personal preference and individual advice from your clinician.

Foods That Can Quickly Re-Stain Whitened Teeth

It is not just drinks that can affect your results. Certain foods are particularly rich in pigments that may stain freshly whitened enamel:

• Dark sauces — soy sauce, tomato-based pasta sauces, balsamic vinegar, and curry sauces are common culprits
• Berries — blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries are all deeply pigmented
• Beetroot — one of the most intensely coloured vegetables
• Chocolate — particularly dark chocolate, which contains both pigment and tannins
• Coloured sweets and ice lollies — artificial colourings can transfer to the teeth quickly
• Turmeric and paprika — strongly coloured spices used in many dishes

During the initial period after whitening, choosing lighter-coloured alternatives where possible can help reduce the risk of early re-staining.

What Is Meant by a ‘White Diet’ After Whitening?

You may hear the term “white diet” in the context of teeth whitening aftercare. This simply refers to the idea of choosing paler, less pigmented foods and drinks for a short time — typically the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment. It is not a weight-loss diet or a restrictive eating plan; it is a temporary, practical way to reduce staining risk during the period when your enamel is most susceptible.

Examples of foods and drinks that are generally considered safe during this period include:

• Water — still or sparkling, the safest option of all
• Milk — a good alternative to tea or coffee in the short term
• White fish — such as cod, haddock, or sea bass
• Plain chicken or turkey — without dark sauces or marinades
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes — without tomato-based or soy-based sauces
• Bananas — a light-coloured fruit that is unlikely to stain
• Natural yoghurt — plain and unsweetened
• Egg whites or scrambled eggs — a simple, non-staining breakfast option

Your dentist can provide more specific guidance based on the whitening system used and your individual situation. To learn more about how our home whitening system works alongside good aftercare, our comparison guide outlines the process in detail.

Everyday Habits That Help Keep Your Smile Brighter for Longer

Beyond the initial 24 to 48 hours, keeping teeth white after professional whitening is largely a matter of good daily habits. Teeth whitening aftercare in London — or anywhere else — comes down to consistent, sensible oral care:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste — this removes plaque and surface staining before it has a chance to build up
• Clean between your teeth daily — interdental brushes or floss help reach areas your toothbrush cannot
• Attend regular hygienist appointments — professional cleaning to help remove surface stains is one of the most effective ways to maintain a brighter appearance between whitening top-ups
• Rinse with water after staining foods and drinks — a quick rinse reduces the time pigments spend in contact with the enamel
• Avoid smoking — tobacco is one of the most persistent causes of tooth discolouration and can significantly shorten the lifespan of whitening results

These habits do not guarantee that staining will never return, but they can meaningfully extend the time between whitening top-ups and support your overall oral health.

Can You Go Back to Normal Eating and Drinking?

Yes — the “white diet” phase is temporary. After the first 24 to 48 hours, most people resume their usual diet without any significant issues. It is normal for some gradual re-staining to occur over time, particularly if you regularly consume tea, coffee, red wine, or other highly pigmented items. This is a natural process and not a sign that the whitening has failed.

The key is balance. Enjoying the foods and drinks you love is entirely reasonable; simply being mindful of how frequently you consume highly staining items, and maintaining good oral hygiene, will help your results last as long as possible. If staining does build up over time, occasional top-up whitening under dental guidance can help refresh your shade using your existing custom trays.

When to Contact Your Dentist After Whitening

While some mild sensitivity during or shortly after whitening is not unusual, there are situations where it is worth getting in touch with your dental practice:

• Persistent or worsening sensitivity — if sensitivity does not settle within a day or two of stopping tray use, your dentist can advise on next steps. For tips for managing sensitivity after whitening, our dedicated page offers further guidance
• Patchy or uneven colour — this may indicate that the gel was not distributed evenly, or that certain areas have responded differently
• Gum irritation — redness or soreness of the gums could suggest the gel has been in contact with the soft tissue
• Any other concerns — if something does not feel right, it is always better to ask. Your dentist can provide personalised advice based on the exact whitening system used and the condition of your mouth

Next Steps If You Are Planning Teeth Whitening

If you are considering teeth whitening treatment in London and want to know exactly what to eat after teeth whitening and how to look after your results, the best starting point is a consultation. During this appointment, the dentist can assess your suitability, discuss expected results, and provide specific aftercare guidance tailored to your diet and lifestyle.

You are welcome to ask questions about food, drink, sensitivity, and anything else that matters to you — before you commit to treatment. To find a teeth whitening clinic near you for personalised aftercare advice, or to book a consultation, contact us and our team will be happy to help.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute personalised medical advice. Aftercare recommendations may vary depending on the whitening system used and your individual oral health. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your treating dentist.