How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Drink Coffee



Coffee is one of our favorite morning beverages. It wakes us up, gives us energy, and tastes delicious! But what if you just had your teeth whitened? That's right, it can be tempting to grab that cup of joe after a whiter smile but the truth is those coffee stains teeth even more than regular tea or soda. According to Dr. Claudia B. Cortadi, The best thing you can do for your pearly whites is to wait 24 hours before drinking anything with caffeine in it. If this rule seems too hard to follow, try substituting milk or water for coffee on mornings when you are feeling especially tired. Not only will your mouth thank you later but so will your dentist!

Tips to Reduce Risk of Discoloration While Drinking Coffee

And for those of you who can't live without your morning coffee, be aware that it's possible to drink your favorite drink and still keep your bright smile. The trick is how long the liquid stays in contact with your teeth. The less time the liquids linger on your pearly whites, the less staining will occur! So grab a straw to sip that Iced Coffee through, or just take sips quickly if it's hot!

Also, try to rinse your mouth frequently as you drink coffee - rinsing helps remove some of the tannic acids before it has a chance to react with other compounds in saliva. Just don't forget about these helpful tips when you are enjoying all those holiday coffees over the next few months! 

Why Do Some Foods and Drinks Cause Discoloration?

Polyphenols, which are found in coffee, tea, and red wine can stain teeth. They are what give these types of beverages their color. The tannins found in certain foods, including cranberries and other berries as well as spicy foods like curries, can be responsible for staining your teeth.

Brushing your teeth right after drinking these types of beverages will not prevent stains from forming because the tannins have already reacted to the other compounds in saliva. If you do want to make sure that you don't develop stains on your pearly whites after enjoying one of these drinks it is best to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth again.

Common stain-causing culprits include:

  • Berries
  • Sports drinks
  • Dark teas
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Red wine
  • Coffee

How to Maintain White Teeth For a Longer Time

Teeth whitening treatment results do not last forever. Even after our Birmingham patients have recovered from treatment, there are some steps they should take to preserve tooth color:

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day
  2. Drink plenty of water to help wash away stains and plaque 
  3. Use mouthwash after brushing 
  4. Floss regularly 
  5. Avoid food that can stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, or dark berries 
  6. Try not to smoke or drink alcohol because it can weaken tooth enamel and cause gum disease which leads to more bacteria in the mouth which causes discoloration on the teeth over time
  7. Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning

Conclusion

Coffee is a delicious drink that many people enjoy. However, it can be hard to maintain whiter teeth if you are drinking coffee on a regular. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of discoloration while still enjoying your morning joe. For instance, avoid adding cream and sugar (these contain lactose), rinse with water after each sip, or brush immediately after for best results! If you need help maintaining white teeth for longer time frames then the team at Ablantis Dental in Encinitas is there for you- They provide all kinds of dental services from routine cleanings to more intensive treatments like tooth whitening!

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