Coffee lovers often wonder if teeth whitening is worth it if they plan to continue drinking their favorite morning beverage. The good news is that teeth whitening works wonders for coffee stains and can whiten and brighten your smile. You don’t have to give up coffee to maintain your pearly whites. So, yes! You can drink coffee after teeth whitening!
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work for Coffee Drinkers?
Cosmetic dentists use teeth whitening to remove stains and discoloration from teeth using customized techniques. Patients have several options for teeth whitening to achieve the desired results.
Many patients choose a combination of options. In-office treatment gives patients quick results, while customized whitening trays help maintain the brightness for longer. Coffee drinkers may need the combined approach for longer-lasting results.
Working with a dental professional typically yields better outcomes and lasts longer than over-the-counter options.
How Long Should You Wait to Drink Coffee After Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening procedures, whether conducted in-office or at home using over-the-counter products, involve bleaching agents that penetrate the tooth enamel to remove stains. This process can leave the teeth temporarily more porous and susceptible to external elements, including certain foods and beverages. Also, some individuals might experience heightened sensitivity immediately following teeth whitening, making consuming hot or cold drinks like coffee uncomfortable.
Coffee contains pigments that can adhere to the tooth surface, potentially compromising the whitening effects, especially right after the whitening procedure. You can limit the impact and maintain your whitening results by considering the following.
- Timing – Dentists recommend avoiding staining foods and drinks for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure to allow time for pores to close. It’s best to abstain from coffee consumption during this period.
- Frequency – Even after the initial waiting period, moderation is key. Drinking coffee in excess can gradually stain the teeth, especially if consumed regularly throughout the day. Try to limit your coffee consumption to one or two cups per day.
- Use alternatives – Drinking through a straw can help protect your teeth from staining because you can minimize direct contact with your teeth. Opting for lighter roast coffees or adding a splash of milk can potentially reduce the staining effect compared to darker roasts or black coffee.
- Rinse – Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking coffee can help reduce its staining potential. If you like to drink your coffee slowly over a longer time, consider taking sips of water while you drink coffee.
Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Continuing to drink coffee, wine, or other dark beverages after teeth whitening can compromise the longevity of the results. Yet, the process will remove the discoloration and restore the more natural color of the teeth. You can maintain a whiter smile even while drinking coffee daily with maintenance treatment, like using trays at home.
If you feel insecure about your smile due to tooth discoloration, teeth whitening can effectively restore your confidence. Talk with your dentist about what whitening procedures would work best to achieve your smile goals based on your lifestyle and budget.
Maintaining Your New Smile
Once you decide to take the plunge and invest in teeth whitening, you can practice good oral hygiene to maintain the results and improve your oral health. Simple daily habits like brushing and flossing can remove unwanted particles from your teeth. Rinsing with mouthwash can also work to improve your gum health and breath.
Investing in customized whitening trays allows you to maintain your whitening treatment at home. Customized trays work better than over-the-counter options because they fit your teeth better and can whiten more evenly. Ask your dentist about the optimal frequency to achieve the results you want without damaging the enamel or causing tooth sensitivity.
Professional teeth whitening typically lasts between six months and one year. If you limit your coffee consumption, you may be able to extend the results of whitening.
Remember, individual responses to teeth whitening can vary. That’s why working with your dentist when considering teeth whitening is essential.
Gain a Whiter and Brighter Smile
Coffee drinkers can have a beautiful white smile, too. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose. While drinking less coffee can help improve the results of the whitening procedure, you will still see improvements after whitening.
Atlanta Smiles offers patients several whitening options to fit your needs and smile goals. We’d love to help you achieve your dream smile. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.