The White Diet (First 24–48 Hours)
- Avoid foods and beverages that stain — coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, berries, tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and heavily pigmented spices.
- Stick to light-colored, non-acidic foods: chicken, white fish, rice, pasta with cream sauce, yogurt, bananas, and water.
- If you do consume staining beverages, rinse your mouth with water immediately after.
- Consider using a straw for drinks to minimize contact with your teeth.
Managing Sensitivity
- Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet is normal and typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
- Use a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth (look for potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride).
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks for the first day or two.
- If sensitivity is severe or persists beyond 48 hours, contact our office — we have desensitizing treatments available.
Maintaining Your Results
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily to prevent surface stains from setting in.
- Use a whitening or enamel-protective toothpaste to maintain brightness between treatments.
- Rinse with water after consuming staining foods or drinks.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings — plaque buildup dulls whitening results faster than almost anything else.
- Ask our team about take-home maintenance trays or periodic touch-up sessions.
When to Call Our Office
- Sensitivity that does not improve after 48–72 hours.
- Gum irritation or white spots on the gums that don't resolve within a day.
- Any concerns about the appearance of your results.
Want to keep that brilliant smile going strong? Call Bethesda Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to ask about touch-up options.
