Getting your teeth whitened can lead to a beautiful, bright smile. But it also requires some precautions afterwards while your teeth are still sensitive. You may be wondering if you can indulge in your favorite McDonald’s meal soon after a whitening treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore if and when it’s safe to eat McDonald’s food after professional or at-home whitening.
Introduction
McDonald’s is one of the most popular fast food chains, known for burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and more. While tasty, McDonald’s food tends to be quite staining. Ingredients like ketchup, barbecue sauce, sodas, and coffee can quickly undo the efforts of whitening treatments. Additionally, some ingredients like mustard and lemon juice can cause sensitivity in freshly whitened teeth.
So when is it safe to enjoy McDonald’s again after whitening? The answer depends on a few key factors:
- Type of whitening treatment (in-office vs. at-home)
- Ingredients consumed (staining vs. acidic)
- Time elapsed since whitening
With some smart precautions, you can safely enjoy McDonald’s again in no time. We’ll walk through when and what you can eat after different whitening treatments. Keep reading for the complete guide!
Whitening Treatments Overview
There are two main types of whitening treatments:
In-Office Whitening
Also known as power whitening, this is performed by a dentist in office. It involves using a stronger bleaching gel, often with light or laser activation for faster results. Treatments take 1-2 hours. In-office whitening produces dramatic results, whitening teeth up to 8 shades brighter.
At-Home Whitening
This involves using whitening trays, strips, or paint-on gels at home. Lower concentration bleach is applied for 30 mins to overnight wear. More gradual whitening is seen over 1-2 weeks. Teeth can lighten up to 6 shades.
Eating After In-Office Whitening
In-office power whitening leads to higher sensitivity that can last up to 48 hours. Here are general guidelines for eating after in-office whitening:
| Hours After Whitening | Foods to Avoid | Safer Food Options |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 24 Hours | Staining foods like ketchup, mustard, curry, soy sauce, berries, wine, coffee, tea | Soft, lukewarm foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, fish |
| 24 – 48 Hours | Extreme temperatures, crunchy/hard foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits, vinegar | Soft foods, milkshakes, smoothies, muffins, pasta |
| After 48 Hours | Avoid staining drinks like red wine, coffee, dark sodas | Resume normal diet, but minimize staining |
Here are some McDonalds meal options and when you can eat them after in-office whitening:
| McDonald’s Item | 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 1 Week Later |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Mac | No | Yes | Yes |
| French Fries | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chicken McNuggets | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sweet Tea | No | No | Yes |
| Soda | No | Yes | Yes |
| Milkshake | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Eating After At-Home Whitening
At-home whitening leads to less sensitivity that resolves within 24 hours. Here are guidelines for eating after at-home whitening:
| Hours After Whitening | Foods to Avoid | Safer Food Options |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 24 Hours | Temperature extremes, acidic foods | Lukewarm softer foods |
| 24+ Hours | Minimize staining | Resume normal diet |
Here is when you can eat McDonald’s items after at-home whitening:
| McDonald’s Item | Same Day | Next Day | 2+ Days Later |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Mac | No | Yes | Yes |
| French Fries | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chicken McNuggets | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sweet Tea | No | Yes | Yes |
| Soda | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Milkshake | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tips for Eating McDonald’s After Whitening
Here are some tips to safely enjoy McDonald’s after whitening treatments:
- Avoid straws which can cause sensitivity
- Request no ice to limit temperature extremes
- Choose milkshakes over sodas
- Opt for sauces on the side
- Stick to soft foods for at least 24 hours
- Rinse with water after eating to wash away stains
- Wait 48 hours for hot coffee/tea
- Use a straw to avoid stains for the first few days
Conclusion
Enjoying McDonald’s is possible after either in-office or at-home whitening. For in-office treatment, stick to soft, stain-free foods for 1-2 days. After at-home whitening, acidic and hot/cold foods should be avoided for 24 hours. In both cases, lightly stained items can be consumed after 2-3 days. Take precautions like using a straw and rinsing after eating to avoid re-staining. With a little patience and care, you can have your fresh whitened smile and McDonald’s cravings satisfied.
