What Can You Eat on a White Diet?

According to dental professionals, the first 48 hours following a teeth whitening treatment are critical, as the tooth enamel is more porous and susceptible to staining. This is why many people adopt a temporary regimen known as the white diet, consisting of light-colored, non-pigmented foods and beverages. The principles of this diet can also apply to other medical preparations, but the specifics differ based on the purpose.

Quick Summary

A white diet involves consuming light-colored, non-staining foods and drinks, typically after dental procedures like teeth whitening to prevent discoloration. The duration and specific rules can vary, but common choices include poultry, white fish, rice, potatoes, and certain dairy products. It requires avoiding dark-pigmented and acidic items that can compromise treatment results.

Key Points

• Purpose: The primary use of a white diet is after teeth whitening to prevent staining or before certain medical procedures like a colonoscopy.

• Teeth Whitening: The enamel is more porous for up to 48 hours post-procedure, so only eat light-colored, non-acidic foods and drinks.

• Allowed Foods: Options include skinless chicken, white fish, eggs, white cheese, milk, rice, pasta with white sauce, peeled potatoes, and bananas.

• Foods to Avoid: Steer clear of all dark-colored foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and colored spices.

• Medical Prep: For a colonoscopy, the white diet is a low-residue meal plan; always follow your doctor's specific instructions, which may exclude high-fiber white foods.

• Duration: A post-whitening white diet typically lasts 24–48 hours, while medical prep diets are dictated by your doctor and the procedure's requirements.

• Hydration: Water is the most important beverage on a white diet; drinking other clear or light-colored liquids through a straw can minimize contact with teeth.

A white diet is a temporary, short-term eating plan focused on consuming only foods and beverages that are white or light in color. This specialized diet is most often recommended for two primary reasons: to protect teeth from discoloration after a professional whitening procedure or as a preparation method for certain medical tests, such as a colonoscopy. The foods and duration differ slightly depending on the purpose, but the core principle of avoiding pigments remains the same.

What to Eat After a Teeth Whitening Treatment

Following teeth whitening, the enamel is temporarily more porous, making it highly susceptible to staining from colorful and acidic foods. Dental experts often recommend a strict white diet for at least 24 to 48 hours post-treatment to maximize results.

Approved food and drink options

• Proteins: Skinless chicken breast, turkey breast, white fish (like cod or tilapia), and tofu are excellent, non-staining protein sources. Egg whites are also a safe option.
• Dairy: Plain, unflavored yogurt, cottage cheese, white cheese (like mozzarella or ricotta), and milk are all allowed. Opt for lower-fat versions, as high acidity can be a factor.
• Grains: White rice, white pasta with a plain white sauce (like alfredo), and white bread or bagels without molasses are staples of the diet. Plain oatmeal made with water or milk is also acceptable.
• Fruits and vegetables: Some of the safest choices include peeled potatoes, cauliflower, bananas, and pears. These are light in color and low in acid.
• Beverages: Water is your best option. Other clear or white beverages like milk, white tea, and clear sodas (drank through a straw) are acceptable.

White Diet for Colonoscopy Preparation

For a colonoscopy, a white diet is a type of low-residue diet used to help clear the bowel before the procedure. The goal is to consume foods with minimal fiber and residue to ensure a clean examination. Specific guidelines and exclusions vary by medical facility, so always follow your doctor's instructions.

Sample menu plan for colonoscopy prep

• Breakfast: Plain scrambled eggs, white toast with butter or margarine, and clear apple juice.
• Lunch: White bread sandwich with plain chicken breast and mayonnaise.
• Dinner: Grilled white fish fillet with plain boiled white rice and peeled mashed potatoes.
• Snacks/Desserts: Plain vanilla yogurt, vanilla ice cream, or rice crackers with white cheese.

Comparison Table: White Diet for Teeth vs. Medical Prep

Feature	Post-Whitening White Diet	Medical (e.g., Colonoscopy) Prep
Primary Goal	Prevent teeth from re-staining.	Clear the digestive tract of residue.
Duration	Typically 24–48 hours.	Varies, often 1–3 days before procedure.
Key Restriction	Pigmented and acidic foods.	High-fiber, high-residue, and colored foods.
Allowed Foods	White proteins, light-colored fruits and vegetables, plain dairy, white grains.	Low-fiber white foods, often with stricter exclusions on high-fiber white foods.
Forbidden Foods	Coffee, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, chocolate, dark spices.	Nuts, seeds, high-fiber breads, and fibrous vegetables.

What to Avoid on a White Diet

To be successful on a white diet, you must avoid all items known to cause discoloration or contain high levels of tannins, which are chromogenic compounds.

Common staining culprits

• Dark-colored beverages: Coffee, black or green tea, red wine, dark sodas, and fruit juices with pulp are all forbidden.
• Colorful fruits and vegetables: Dark berries (blueberries, blackberries), tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes must be avoided.
• Dark sauces and condiments: Soy sauce, red pasta sauce, ketchup, and mustard are off-limits.
• Highly pigmented spices: Spices like curry powder, turmeric, and paprika should not be used.
• Chocolate and candies: Any items with artificial colors or cocoa content are a no-go.

Planning a White Diet Menu

Day 1

• Breakfast: Plain oatmeal with skim milk and a sliced banana.
• Lunch: Chicken breast sandwich on white bread with a light spread of mayonnaise.
• Dinner: Baked white fish (cod) with mashed potatoes and steamed cauliflower.
• Snacks: Plain yogurt or rice cakes with cream cheese.

Day 2

• Breakfast: Scrambled egg whites with white toast.
• Lunch: A bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup, with a side of plain crackers.
• Dinner: White pasta with a homemade alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese.
• Snacks: Vanilla ice cream or a pear.

Conclusion

Understanding what can you eat on a white diet is key to achieving successful outcomes, whether for cosmetic dental work or a medical procedure. The core principle is to avoid highly pigmented or acidic foods and drinks that can interfere with treatment. By carefully selecting approved items like white meat, fish, plain dairy, and non-staining grains, you can navigate this temporary dietary change with ease. Always consult your dentist or doctor for specific guidance tailored to your situation and ensure you follow their instructions precisely. By doing so, you can effectively protect your investment in a brighter smile or prepare properly for an important medical exam.

GoodRx provides a detailed guide on foods to eat and avoid after teeth whitening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to be on a white diet after teeth whitening?

Most dental professionals recommend sticking to a white diet for at least 24 to 48 hours immediately following a teeth whitening procedure, as this is when your tooth enamel is most susceptible to stains.

Can I have scrambled eggs on a white diet?

Yes, scrambled eggs are generally a safe and protein-rich option for a white diet. Using just the egg whites is an even safer choice to avoid any yellow pigmentation.

Is chicken allowed on a white diet?

Yes, plain, skinless chicken breast or turkey breast is allowed on a white diet, as it is a white meat that won't cause staining.

Can you drink coffee on a white diet?

No, you should strictly avoid coffee, both hot and iced, as it is one of the most common culprits for staining teeth. This also applies to black and green tea.

What kind of cheese can you eat on a white diet?

You can eat white and light-colored cheeses such as mozzarella, cottage cheese, ricotta, and plain cream cheese. Avoid any cheeses with added spices or colors.

Can I eat potatoes on a white diet?

Yes, potatoes are a staple of a white diet. They can be peeled and mashed or boiled, but avoid preparations like crispy chips or roasted potatoes with skin.

Can you have fruit on a white diet?

Only certain light-colored, low-acidity fruits are allowed, such as bananas, peeled apples, and pears. Dark berries and citrus fruits should be avoided.