Yellowed teeth can have an impact on self-confidence, and many people may seek a whitening treatment to enhance their smile.
But you might be wondering, can you eat after you get your teeth whitened? And if so, what should you eat? No need to worry, you can eat after Zoom whitening. But many dentists would recommend waiting at least an hour after the treatment. From there, you should avoid certain foods and drinks to prolong the whitening results as long as possible.
If you’re a candidate for Zoom whitening—or any other kind of in-office whitening treatment—your dentist can review the procedure and any aftercare tips specific to your situation. No whitening treatment is permanent, but how you care for your teeth afterward is a significant determining factor for how long your results last.
What Is Zoom Whitening?
Zoom whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment that can whiten teeth quickly and effectively. It is done in-office and has minimal downtime compared to some other whitening treatments.
During the procedure, a dental professional applies a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to your teeth. The gel is then activated by a bright light, which starts the whitening process. The entire treatment usually takes around 1 to 2 hours and you can often see significant results immediately.
Benefits of Zoom Whitening
One of the significant benefits of Zoom whitening is its fast treatment time. Compared to other teeth whitening treatments, which typically require weeks or months for noticeable results, Zoom whitening can produce visibly brighter teeth in just one appointment.
The concentration of the hydrogen peroxide gel is carefully adjusted based on the individual needs of each patient. This ensures that the treatment is both safe and effective.
Another benefit of Zoom whitening is that it is performed in-office by a dental professional. This reduces the risk of accidentally ingesting the whitening solution and also reduces the likelihood of gum irritation, which can occur with at-home whitening treatments.
Since the treatment is done under the supervision of a dental professional, any issues or complications can be addressed immediately. This is especially important for those who may have sensitivity or other oral issues.
Can Anyone Get Zoom Whitening Treatments?
Not everyone is a candidate for Zoom whitening, so it’s important to consult with a dentist to determine if this treatment is right for you. Those with sensitive teeth or gums, for example, may not be able to tolerate the high concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in the treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also usually advised to avoid cosmetic whitening treatments, as are young children.
Can You Eat After Zoom Whitening?
The answer to this question can be complicated. After undergoing Zoom teeth whitening, it’s recommended that you don’t eat or drink anything for at least an hour.
The reason for this is your teeth will be more porous and vulnerable to staining during this time frame. If you consume any dark-coloured food or drinks, they can quickly penetrate your teeth and cause new stains, which can compromise the results of your Zoom teeth whitening.
Food & Beverages to Avoid After Teeth Whitening
Even though you can return to your normal diet relatively quickly after a whitening treatment, there are still some foods and drinks you should avoid for at least a couple of days. Avoiding or limiting these things long-term can be beneficial in giving you long-lasting results from your teeth whitening treatment.
Some foods and beverages to consider avoiding after a whitening treatment include:
- Dark-coloured fruits & vegetables: These include blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and grapes. The pigments in these fruits can stain your teeth
- Dark-coloured beverages: This includes tea, coffee, red wine, cola, and any other dark liquids.
- Acidic foods & beverages: These can erode your tooth enamel and cause sensitivity. Limit consumption of citrus fruits, vinegar, pickled foods, tea, coffee, energy drinks, pop, and sour candies
- Foods containing dyes: These dyes can stain your teeth. An example is red pistachios
- Dark sauces: Avoid soy sauce and other dark condiments
- Foods with strong colours: This includes tomato sauces and dark soups
Some of these things may be harder or easier to limit depending on what you’re usually consuming. The point isn’t to cut everything out of your diet that could cause staining, but instead to take more mindful approach where you limit what you can will give a good balance of long-lasting results without making yourself feel overly restricted.
Zoom Whitening with Long-Lasting Results
Any teeth whitening procedures are technically temporary because stains can cause discolouration of our teeth again over time. To get good and long-lasting results it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene with a consistent routine.
This includes following the Canadian Dental Association’s recommendations for oral care, which include brushing at least twice daily for 2 to 3 minutes, and flossing at least once. It’s also good to include a mouthwash, but remember a mouthwash should never replace proper brushing and flossing.
Another thing you can do to help give yourself longer-lasting results is to avoid or limit certain foods, like the ones discussed above. These things, along with seeing your dentist for a professional cleaning every 6 months, can help maintain your bright, beautiful smile.
Book Your Teeth Whitening or Cleaning Today
No one wants discoloured teeth. Whether you’re looking to whiten your teeth or maintain your already white teeth, we can help.
Call us at Arch King West Dental today and book an appointment. We’re happy to get you in for an exam and cleaning or to start exploring your whitening options.
