Everyone wants white teeth, but it’s important to have them in good condition before you use a teeth whitening product. A professional whitening treatment from your dentist can produce the best results, leaving your teeth up to ten shades whiter. However, teeth whitening treatments can also temporarily weaken the enamel layer, and they can irritate your teeth if they have untreated tooth decay. Here’s how a teeth whitening treatment can severely irritate or permanently damage a tooth with a cavity.

Decades of use can leave stains on the brightest of teeth, especially if you’re frequently consuming foods and beverages that are high in pigments and dyes. Thankfully, your dentist has the tools to make your smile its whitest during an in-office appointment or with a take-home kit. However, your teeth will be especially vulnerable to stains for the first few days after undergoing a whitening treatment. Here are a few foods to avoid after having your teeth whitened.