Did you just get your teeth whitened? They're now beautiful and sparkly, so you don't want to do something immediately to mess them up. So, to keep your pearly whites just that, here are a few foods and beverages that you need to make sure you avoid:

1. Coffee

Yes, your morning of cup of joe is probably one of the worst things you can drink after having your teeth whitened. Java is among the most common causes of yellow, stained teeth. In fact, your coffee obsession may be the reason you even had to schedule the appointment for the whitening in the first place. If you simply cannot resist your coffee, try to put it off for as long as you can and make sure to use a straw. Don't assume that you can add a splash of creamer or milk to lighten the coffee and lighten the side effects on your teeth. According to Colgate, it won't do any good unless you do something like half coffee and half milk in your cup where there is significantly less coffee than usual.

2. Red Wine

For some, a morning cup of coffee is an essential part of the day. For others, a glass of red wine at the conclusion of a day is just as important. While red wine does have a host of health benefits, the fact is that the red wine can cause tooth staining thanks to its intense color and acid levels. To preserve the effects of your whitening, avoid your wine for as long as you possibly can. If you don't mind, you should drink your wine through a straw as well. If you can't give up your wine completely, your best bet is to replace your red wine with a white wine to help reduce the tooth-damaging effects, even though white wine is still acidic and can damage the teeth as well.

3. Dark Chocolate

While dark chocolate consists of antioxidants that may be successful in helping your body fight cardiovascular disease, the fact remains that it isn't good for your newly-whitened teeth. It can stain them because of the tannins found within the chocolate. Dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate because it contains more cocoa, which is where the tannin can be found. If you do indulge in a dark chocolate eating session, make sure to brush as soon as you can afterward.

It is recommended that these foods and drinks be avoided after and between your whitening sessions. In fact, they should be avoided majority of the time. If you do indulge, make sure to brush your teeth afterward. If you can't, rinse your mouth out with water to help remove the acids left behind in your mouth. For more guidance, consult with a dental hygienist in your area.