When you’re getting ready to go out on a date, or you’re preparing for a big work presentation, you want to look your best. But if you’ve recently whitened your teeth with teeth-whitening solution and are concerned about staining or discoloration, it might seem like there’s no way to avoid coffee stains.
Bleaching teeth is a very popular cosmetic dental procedure and you will see a noticeable change in your smile after the treatment. The bleaching solution can make your teeth more sensitive, so wait at least 24 hours before eating or drinking anything to give them time to recover.
How long after teeth whitening can i drink coffee
Many of the foods and beverages that people enjoy on a regular basis can stain the teeth. One of the greatest culprits when it comes to tooth discoloration is coffee, a beverage that many people drink daily. Professional teeth whitening brightens the teeth by several shades, while removing surface stains that detract from the beauty of the smile.
Although the effects of teeth whitening are impressive, they will not last forever. At Dr. Tim Simpson’s practice in Abilene, TX, patients will need to take special care to keep the teeth white in the days and weeks after treatment. Most patients are eager to know if maintaining whitening results means giving up their favorite foods or beverages, like coffee.
Here, Dr. Simpson offers tips for drinking coffee after teeth whitening without compromising the effects of treatment.
Adhere to the 48 Hour Window Rule
We want teeth whitening treatment to give our patients the bright, white smile they desire, but we don’t want them to sacrifice the things they enjoy to get the smile they want. While we wouldn’t ask patients to give up coffee indefinitely, we do ask that they take certain precautions immediately following treatment.
The bleaching agents that are in teeth whitening gel make tooth enamel especially porous, which means the teeth will be even more susceptible to discoloration for a short period of time. To preserve the effects of teeth whitening treatment, patients should avoid dark-colored foods and beverages (including coffee) for at least 48 hours after treatment. As long as patients stay away from foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, and dark berries for 48 hours, they will not risk compromising the effects of treatment.
Tips for Maintaining Tooth Color
The first few days after teeth whitening treatment are when patients need to be especially careful about protecting their teeth from stains and discoloration. However, to maintain whitening results as long as possible, our Abilene patients should continually take care to preserve tooth color, even months after undergoing treatment.
If patients choose to drink coffee regularly, they are at a greater risk of developing surface stains or discoloration on the teeth. Fortunately, there are certain tips that can help coffee drinkers maintain a brighter and whiter smile:
- Consider drinking coffee and other dark beverages (such as teas and colas) with a straw
- Whenever possible, brush the teeth immediately after drinking coffee
- If unable to brush, patients should drink water or rinse the mouth with water after they have finished a cup of coffee
- Practice good oral hygiene habits, which should include biannual dental exams and cleanings
- Schedule maintenance teeth whitening treatments as needed
How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Drink Coffee
How long after teeth whitening can I drink coffee? That’s a common question that we get here at Healthy Smiles. Aside from being told that we’re “the best implant dentist in Staten Island,” we consider ourselves to be the best family dental practice in Staten Island, NY as well. That means we cover every aspect of oral health. One of those is teeth whitening.
So many people come in to have their teeth whitened. So many people also drink coffee every day. In fact, almost all of us drink coffee or tea or eat foods that can stain teeth on a daily basis. So it’s no wonder that people want to know when they can drink coffee again after their teeth whitening.
How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Drink Coffee
The answer to this question is dependent on what kind of teeth whitening is being done. The process of whitening teeth – whether it be one in-office visit or a two-week application of trays – opens the pores of the teeth. This is how the bleach gets into the teeth to help reduce the appearance of staining. If the bleaching solution can get into those pores, it only stands to reason that so can foods and drinks that stain. It’s important not to let that happen.
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening is a one-time visit that is done about twice a year. Because there’s only one visit, the amount of time you have to wait to drink coffee or tea is only about a day. This allows the whitening agent to fully work and the teeth to be able to resist the staining effects of food and drink.
At-Home Whitening
At-home whitening takes a significantly longer amount of time to do. Rather than one in-office visit, you’ll be using trays and gel for around two weeks. During that time, the teeth are perpetually at risk for further staining if things like coffee or tea are consumed. For the best results, it’s recommended to avoid foods and drinks that can stain the teeth for the full two weeks.
After the two week period, wait another one to two days to begin consuming food and drink that can cause staining.
No Food or Drink on the White Couch
Our own Dr. Cipriano advises that the rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t eat or drink anything while whitening your teeth that you wouldn’t eat or drink on your mother’s white couch. Think of your teeth as that nice couch in the front room that your mother would yell at you for ruining. You don’t want to get anything like coffee, tea, wine, or spaghetti sauce on that couch, and the same holds true for your teeth while whitening them.
Which Whitening Method is Better
As we discussed in our previous teeth whitening article, that’s a matter of personal preference. In-office whitening is more effective and lasts longer, but for some at-home whitening might be more convenient. If you’re already jonesing for your cup of Joe just by reading about having to avoid drinking it, then we highly suggest in-office whitening so you can get that java back into you where it belongs quicker.
How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Drink Coffee
So now that we know the difference between at-home and in-office teeth whitening, how long they both take, and how long you should wait to have food or drink that can stain teeth after whitening, it’s up to you to decide which method is best for you. If you’re on the fence or want more information, feel free to schedule an appointment with us. As both the best implant dentist in Staten Island and the best family dental practice in NYC, we’re happy to help you with all aspects of your oral health.
How long are teeth porous after whitening
- The first 48 hours following your teeth whitening treatment are quite critical. The tooth whitening process opens the pores in the tooth and as such leaves them temporarily susceptible to staining in the short term. In this time – up to 48 hours – avoid any foods and drinks that will stain – tea, coffee, red wine, or any dark liquids or foods. Try to stick to a white and clear diet.
- Some people can experience sensitivity in the teeth during the first 24- 72 hours after the whitening treatment. Eden Dental uses a laser to aid in the whitening process, but this technique also relaxes the nerves of the teeth and therefore drastically reduces, if not cancels any sensitivity. Ifhowever you do experience this sensitivity, use a desensitizing toothpaste, such as SensodyneTM, or Colgate Sensitive or Oral-B sensitive toothpastes to ease the discomfort. If this persists phone our offices to get other desensitizing materials.
- After the treatment, it is natural for teeth colour to regress somewhat over time. This is normal and should be very gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents, such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, colas, citrus drinks and fruits, etc. Generally Eden Dental will manufacture bleach trays for a full bleach, together with a take home bleach gel. Be aware that the pores of your enamel will remain open for as long as you use this gel and so you should refrain from staining agents till you stop using the bleaching agent. You can resume your normal habits 24 hours after treatment. Also, be aware that drinks and food are not the only things that can stain our teeth when the pores are open; lipstick, for example, can stain too. Do NOT apply lipstick soon after whitening your teeth.
- REMEMBER to keep your bleach trays safe and away from pets, as they love to chew them. These bleach trays can be used six months down the line to touch up any stains that may have accumulated in the time frame. You can purchase bleach gel from the front office.
- Allergies: Some people are allergic to peroxide but may not be aware of it. If you had the treatment done and a few hours or a day later you have a blister on your lips, you are probably having an allergic reaction to the gel. Buy liquid vitamin E from your pharmacist and apply it to the blister until it goes away. It generally goes away within a couple of days by itself anyway. You can also take any over-the-counter antihistamine.
Teeth Whitening RESULTS
- How long the results will last depends on 2 main factors: 1) your habits, and 2) the porosity of your teeth. If you expose your teeth to staining agents such as tobacco, coffee, red wine, tea, coca cola, etc. on a regular basis, your whitening results will not last as long. If you have naturally porous enamel, your teeth will be more vulnerable to staining agents and your teeth will get stained again sooner than the average person.
Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing ahead of time how porous your teeth are. - N.B. Bleaching does NOT lighten or whiten fillings or crowns. The darker the stain uptake, the longer it will take to bleach, and sometimes a process of a few treatments will be necessary.
- Bleaching refers to a process of removing stains in the teeth, and therefore it is not an actual WHITENING of the teeth and by association the dentist cannot guarantee a specific shade. Bleaching should bring your tooth back to it’s original shade.
Don’t Believe These Teeth Whitening Myths!
If these common teeth whitening myths are making you live with stained teeth, it is time to conquer your uncertainties and get the bright smile you have always wanted.
Food, drinks, medications, and even genetics play a role in the development of stains on your teeth. As your teeth absorb stain-causing pigments through their microscopic pores, your teeth can turn a dingy yellow, brown, or gray color. Unfortunately, common teeth whitening myths may be causing you to live with a faded smile, eroding your self-esteem and affecting your social life. The following information debunks these misconceptions so you can restore your smile with safe and effective teeth whitening in Little Rock.
Myth: Repeated Whitening Damages Enamel
The myth that teeth whitening can harm the enamel of your teeth is false. While at-home teeth whitening can be dangerous, professional whitening formulas applied by a qualified dentist in Little Rock do not damage the enamel in any way. The pores in the enamel are gently opened up so that dental bleaching agents can reach the stains beneath the surface of your teeth. About two days after the whitening procedure is complete, the pores close back up, leaving the enamel in its original state.
Myth: Stains Occur Faster After Whitening
The myth that teeth whitening will make your teeth more susceptible to staining is mostly untrue. In the first couple days after whitening, you must avoid foods and beverages with dark pigments, such as coffee and berries. After the pores in your enamel close, your teeth will retain their newly whitened color. You can protect your teeth from future stains by using a straw when drinking beverages and rinsing your mouth with water after eating.
Myth: Extreme Sensitivity Is Unavoidable
The myth that teeth whitening causes unavoidable sensitivity is false. In the past, people with sensitive teeth could not undergo whitening procedures due to an increase in tooth pain afterward. Fortunately, modern toothpaste formulas can keep your sensitivity levels low. For the best results, you should start using sensitivity-reducing toothpaste about two weeks before undergoing teeth whitening in Little Rock.
Myth: Professional Formulas Make Teeth Too White
The myth that teeth whitening can make your smile unnaturally white is false. The fear of obtaining extremely bright, white teeth through professional whitening often causes people to consider questionable treatments at home. You do not have to go to dangerous lengths to obtain the shade you want. Your dentist will help you select a shade that will look natural and attractive alongside your skin tone and lip color. You may also bring in an older picture of yourself to match your original tooth color to a shade on a whitening chart.
Myth: Whitening Is Time Consuming
The myth that teeth whitening will take up a significant amount of time on your calendar is mostly false. Unless your teeth are seriously stained, teeth whitening procedures only take 15 minutes a day for two weeks. Extending the session length could leave bright white splotches on your teeth, so it is crucial to only receive teeth whitening treatments from a dental professional you can trust.
Teeth Whitening in Little Rock
If you still have any uncertainties about teeth whitening, discuss them with your dentist. Since its inception in the early 1980s, teeth whitening has undergone numerous developments, making the procedure faster, safer, and more efficient than ever.