Whitening treatments performed in a dental office or at home with strips or gels can greatly whiten one's smile by removing deeply set stains and discoloration. The one question that is repeatedly asked by people who have undergone whitening is: how long should I wait before drinking coffee again? Coffee is notorious for staining teeth, and having it too soon after whitening can reverse the effects or make the teeth unevenly stained.
In this article, we'll explore the best practices and timing for resuming coffee consumption after teeth whitening, as well as tips for maintaining your bright smile.
In any case, depending on the whitening treatments and the health of the patient's mouth, it is generally indicated to avoid coffee for at least 24 to 48 hours after teeth whitening. This waiting period lets the enamel of the teeth rehydrate back to its natural hardness since that will help avoid stains.
Within the 24 hours immediately following whitening, your enamel is in a weakened state. Anything, like coffee-especially dark-colored ones easily penetrates the porous enamels and causes stains. Also, coffee is acid that can further irritate sensitive teeth and make them more sensitive, something which is very common right after a whitening treatment. Staining foods and drinks, like coffee, are to be avoided in this critical window of time if one wants to preserve the results.
After whitening, the enamel includes more pores, as a result of which it can absorb stains much easier. Having coffee in the first hours or days can make the hard work of whitening possibly worse by bringing those dark pigments into your teeth again.
Many people find their teeth become more sensitive following whitening. The heat and acidity of the coffee can then exacerbate this discomfort. If sensitivity is a problem, it is best to wait until sensitivity has diminished before exposing the teeth to hot or cold beverages, like coffee.
Immediately drinking coffee after whitening may provide you with uneven staining, showing some parts of your teeth are darker than others. This can happen because the whitening agent hasn't properly set; therefore, teeth absorb pigments more unevenly.
While waiting to drink coffee is essential for maintaining a bright smile, here are some additional tips to minimize staining and preserve the results of your whitening treatment:
As mentioned, it's best if one can wait 24 to 48 hours to restart the consumption of coffee. Avoid the consumption of any stain-causing food or beverages if possible.
If one is to consume coffee during the initial days, it will be advisable to drink through a straw to minimize the contact of the coffee with the teeth. This will reduce the risk of staining, especially for the front teeth.
If you cannot resist coffee after whitening, choose iced instead of hot. Iced kinds tend to be less acidic and can be gentler on your enamel.
After having coffee, lightly brush your teeth, but do not do so right after drinking. It is advisable to wait for at least 30 minutes because the acidity in coffee temporarily softens your enamel. Alternatively, you could simply rinse your mouth with water, which will help to water down the remaining coffee residue.
A whitening toothpaste will help you keep that white smile a little bit easier. Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains and can be used regularly to keep your teeth white, without taking the enamel off them.
You are still supposed to be conscious beyond the recommended 24 to 48 hours. Long-term and regular drinking of coffee aged over time produces gradual discolorations. Here are some more tips to help you maintain your bright smile long-term:
Watch out for How Much Coffee you Drink: If you are really serious about maintaining your white teeth, try and limit the amount of coffee you intake or switch over to lighter versions; these would not stain as much.
Professional Touch-ups: Remember to get professional whitening periodically so that your smile can remain bright as ever.
Regular Dental Checkup: You are supposed to pay regular visits to your dentist for cleaning with the aim of removing surface stains and letting your teeth appear at their best.
After teeth whitening, it's important to be cautious when consuming coffee or any other staining foods and beverages. The first 24 to 48 hours are particularly critical as your enamel is more porous and susceptible to staining.
