How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Eat Foods That May Stain?

We use the Zoom Advanced Power machine in our office to whiten teeth.  We tell any of our patients receiving Zoom to stay away from food or liquids that have a tendency to stain your teeth.  Examples of this would be coffee, tea, red wine, and even some pasta sauces.  After 48 hours, the enamel will remineralize and you can go back to your normal diet.  If you have to have your "coffee fix" during that time be sure to use a straw to avoid direct contact with the teeth.  

Usually a patient is advised to refrain from consuming stained foods for 48 hours.Any dark colored foods, caffeine, sodas, turmeric in food should be avoided

I would recommend not eating or drinking anything with dark  pigments such as tomato sauce or catsup, mustard, red wine, dark berries, dark colas and coffee for about 2 weeks after teeth whitening.

Thank you for a great question. I would recommend 48 hours minimum to hold off of foods that may stain teeth.In general consuming coloring foods like curry, red wine, coffee, tea will shorten period of time your teeth say white. You might consider to do touch ups every 2 months if you like above mentioned consumables.Alll the best to you!

No one really knows how long is long enough to wait because everyone is different. Some teeth absorb stain quickly and really the only way you will find this out is by testing it for yourself. 48 hours is a good rule because it is manageable, as the process involves letting your teeth go back to normal and not being so porous (to whitening gel or similarly to stain). If you can wait longer that is best to prevent things going backwards. Good luckThomas Dey, BDS, MSc

Teeth get somewhat dehydrated from teeth whitening and become like little sponges that can absorb color. This is why it is recommended to avoid colored foods for at least 24 hours. I usually recommend 48 hours to be safe. This dehydration is the same reason teeth may be a bit sensitive. This sensitivity only lasts about 24 hours and can be helped with sensodyne toothpaste and over the counter anti-inflammatories. 

After our patients receive Professional Tooth Whitening, either in-office or take-home, we recommend that they refrain from foods and beverages that might stain their teeth.  We recommend waiting 48 hours as this is plenty of time for teeth to rehydrate.  We also recommend immediately expectorating or rinsing with water after drinking and eating these foods that stain.

Longer the better. If you have taken all the effort to whiten your teeth and are enjoying that smile, why to rush and discolour them again. Normally it is suggested 48 hours minimum of no black tea, black coffee, red wine or foods with colours. Best is to keep them to minimum for up to 7 days after.

Minimum is 24 hours, but it would be better to wait at least 72 hours.

If you have to eat food or drinks that stain in that period consider rinsing your teeth immediately after consuming the potential offender.  Also, consider drinking staining beverages through a straw.

The worst offenders are red wine, colas, tea, coffee, blueberries, cranberry juice, and of course, smoking.

To maximize your whitening results and avoid introducing stain, it is best to wait 48 hours after professionally whitening your teeth before you consume any dark liquids, sauces, or foods.