Can I Drink Coffee After Teeth Whitening?
The teeth are regularly exposed to foods and beverages that cause dental stains and discoloration. Coffee is one of the most frequent causes of tooth discoloration. Professional teeth whitening erases extrinsic dental stains and whitens the teeth by up to eight shades to provide patients with a significantly brighter smile.
Since coffee is the cause of discoloration, individuals preparing to undergo teeth whitening at Brooklyn Heights Dental often ask our dentists, “can I drink coffee after teeth whitening?” Our dental team is happy to make recommendations regarding coffee after teeth whitening and offer our Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, and Fort Greene, patients additional tips for maintaining teeth whitening results.
Does Teeth Whitening Prevent Dental Stains and Discoloration?
Teeth whitening effectively lifts away extrinsic stains and discoloration, which affect the tooth enamel. Teeth whitening drastically improves tooth color to provide a brighter smile. However, teeth whitening does not prevent further stains or discoloration. Over time, as the teeth are exposed to foods, beverages, and other factors, new stains can develop, which is why people need to pay attention to the foods and beverages they consume.
Can I Drink Coffee After Teeth Whitening and When Can I Start?
Many people rely on a morning cup of coffee to wake them up and start their day. We do not expect anyone to give up this habit completely. However, to protect the teeth from new dental stains, we recommend that patients refrain from drinking coffee for 48 hours after a teeth whitening treatment.
During teeth whitening treatment, our dentists apply a hydrogen peroxide-based gel that bleaches the teeth to eliminate discoloration. The bleaching process opens the pores of tooth enamel, which leaves the teeth vulnerable to sensitivity. Open pores also make it easier for staining agents to get into tooth enamel and create new stains. The best way to preserve teeth whitening results is to avoid coffee, tea, wine, and any other staining food or beverage for at least 48 hours.
Minimizing Dental Stains from Coffee
We understand that many individuals are anxious to resume coffee drinking after teeth whitening treatment. After the 48-hour waiting period, it is safe to enjoy a cup of coffee. However, coffee is a highly staining beverage, so discoloration can still develop over time. To minimize dental stains from coffee, we urge patients to limit the amount of coffee they drink and brush their teeth after enjoying a cup of coffee.
Preserving Teeth Whitening Results
Coffee is not the only substance that can compromise teeth whitening results. To preserve teeth whitening results as long as possible, we advise patients to follow these practices:
- Brush the teeth at least twice daily and floss regularly
- Schedule dental exams and cleanings at least bi-annually
- Stay well hydrated
- Brush the teeth or rinse the mouth with water after consuming coffee, tea, wine, colas, or other staining foods and beverages
- Schedule touch-up whitening treatments as necessary
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
Dental stains and tooth discoloration leave many people dissatisfied with their smiles. If you want to enjoy a brighter, whiter smile, you may be an ideal candidate for teeth whitening. To discuss treatment with the dentists at Brooklyn Heights Dental, send us a message today.
