A good smile is priceless. And for the smile to be good, one criterion is clean and white teeth.
Many people resort to using whitening strips to make their teeth appear brighter. These whitening strips contain a layer of peroxide. When this peroxide comes in contact with the tooth enamel, it removes discoloration.
However, this is not a one-day process.
Many whitening strips list instructions to use it everyday for two weeks to get the desired results. However, this long process might get very tiresome since many think that one cannot eat or drink after using these strips.
So the question is, can you eat after using whitening strips? Yes and no!
You can eat after using whitening strips, but only certain foods and drink. The general rule of thumb is that you can have food and drink that is lighter in color, rather than darker items such as wine, coffee, or fruit.
There are some other things you can eat and some you shouldn’t. We’ll list them down below!
Eating Food After Whitening Strips
May people wait for a couple of hours after they apply whitening strips to eat or drink anything. However, you don’t have to wait anymore, as whitening strips have come a long way.
Now, people can eat and drink after putting up whitening strips, it just shouldn’t have color.
Safe Foods After Whitening Strips
This means that the following foods and beverages can be consumed after using whitening strips:
Water
Since water does not have any coloring, it is safe to consume after using whitening strips
Fish
Fish, like tuna, can be consumed safely. However, if the fish is cooked with spices like turmeric, then you should avoid it.
Tofu
Creamy tofu can be consumed safely after using whitening strips.
Chicken
Chicken boiled or fried without spices that have color (like turmeric or food coloring) can be consumed safely.
Breads
Breads can be safely consumed as well. Just make sure that it has no coloring or molasses because the dark substance can stain the teeth because the pores in the enamel are open for 5-6 hours.
Rice
White or brown rice without food coloring or any other dark-colored ingredients should not be consumed.
Yogurt
Yogurt without any food coloring or flavors like blueberry yogurt or strawberry yogurt can be consumed safely.
Fruits
Fruits that do not leave stains like apples, pears, and bananas can be consumed safely. Even apple and pear juices without added colors can be consumed.
Unsafe Foods After Whitening Strips
Quite a number of foods can be safely consumed after applying whitening strips.
However, there are some foods that should be avoided for at least 4-6 hours after applying whitening strips as the peroxide makes the enamel porous and it can absorb dark colored substances and do the opposite of what it was meant to do.
Tea or Coffee
Tea or coffee are the top items that stains teeth. People who consume too much tea or coffee and do not brush afterwards are bound to get stains in their teeth.
So, tea or coffee should not be consumed for at least 4-6 hours after putting on whitening strips.
Staining Fruits
Many fruits leave a stain like blueberries and strawberries. They should not be consumed within the safe time after using whitening strips.
Wine
Dark colored wine is a no-no for at least 6 hours after the whitening strips are applied. However, champagne, and other colorless wines can be consumed safely.
Turmeric
Foods cooked using turmeric in spices should be avoided after applying whitening strips. This is because turmeric has a natural dye that can leave a yellow color on the teeth.
Paprika
Other spices that might leave a stain on the teeth include paprika. Even foods with cinnamon in it should be avoided after putting on whitening strips.
Sugary Foods
Sugary foods and beverages should be avoided after applying whitening strips. The reason is that sugar attracts cavities.
Since the pores of the teeth enamel are open, exposing to to sugary cereals, drinks, or jams and candies would mean making the teeth prone to cavity attacks.
Citrus and Acidic Foods
Citrus and acidic foods like lemons, oranges, vinegar (including salad dressings), and apple cider vinegar impact the enamel even if there is no whitening strip.
This is the reason why it is not recommended to brush the teeth directly after consuming these strong substances.
When using whitening strips since the enamel’s pores are open, the acidic substances can weaken the enamel even more.
When To Apply Whitening Strips?
People commonly apply whitening strips when they are off to an event or a social gathering to improve the look of their teeth.
However, this means that you have to avoid a number of foods and drinks and therefore, cannot fully enjoy any lunches or evening drinks.
Since there are some food restrictions for at least 5-6 hours after taking off the whitening strip, it is recommended that you apply it at nighttime and remove it before going to bed.
This will allow you to whiten your teeth without fretting over what you can and cannot eat.
Another good time to apply whitening strips is after breakfast so you can give at least a 5–6-hour break before you have lunch. Meanwhile you can consume sandwiches or drink water to hydrate.
Summing Up What You Can Eat After Using Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are a great way to improve the overall look of your teeth.
Even though one can eat and drink after using whitening strips, there are certain foods that should be avoided to make sure that the teeth does not stain, or the enamel is not damaged since the peroxide is acting on it for at least 5-6 hours after the strip is removed.
Water and natural juices of fruits like apples and pears can be consumed safely. However, juices that leave stains like blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries should be avoided.
Similarly, proteins like fish and chicken can be consumed given that they are not cooked with spices like turmeric, paprika, or cinnamon.
Furthermore, sugary foods and drinks are a no-go and so are acidic substances like lemon juice and vinegar.
