Coffee After Teeth Whitening
Numerous people in the Troy, MI area come to the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute for professional teeth whitening, an ideal cosmetic dentistry treatment for tooth discoloration. Dr. Craig Goldin, Dr. Marcy Goldin, and Dr. David Whalen have brightened so many smiles over the years, and made many patients happy as a result.
Teeth whitening treatment is designed to address extrinsic dental stains, which are stains that originate on the surface of the teeth. The bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and whitens the discolored tooth enamel. Of course, if you drink a lot of coffee, this can make matters a little tricky. Let’s talk about drinking coffee after you undergo teeth whitening treatment.
Stains After Teeth Whitening
While teeth whitening can bleach away unwanted dental stains, it does not make teeth stain resistant. To put it bluntly, you can stain your teeth again after undergoing teeth whitening treatment.
How Bad Can Coffee Stains Get?
Since coffee is one of the most notorious causes of tooth discoloration, you do run a risk of future dental stains if you drink a cup of coffee (or more) each day. The amount of time it will take to stain your teeth again can vary, but it’s important that cosmetic patients understand this fact.
Can I Still Drink Coffee After Teeth Whitening?
You definitely can drink coffee again after teeth whitening, but there’s a question of how much coffee to drink, how often, and how to avoid stains after drinking coffee. The team at our
The team at our Troy cosmetic dentistry center has a few tips for patients to consider if they want to keep their teeth looking bright and white after professional treatment.
Use a Straw for Iced Coffee and Cold Brew
If you predominantly drink iced coffee, you’re in luck. Using a drinking straw helps the liquid bypass the teeth, limiting the amount of stains that develop. Continue to use drinking straws for other colored or carbonated beverages as well.
Cut Your Coffee with Milk or Cream
Black coffee and straight espresso shots tend to darken your teeth more than lighter coffee drinks. Consider adding milk or cream to your coffee. You’ll lighten its color and also cut some of the acidity in the flavor.
Drink Water Along with Your Coffee
Stains can develop as coffee remains on the teeth for a prolonged amount of time. For this reason, consider sipping a cup of water after having coffee. It will remove some of the coffee from the surface of your teeth, and it will also help you stay hydrated.
Brushing Your Teeth After Having Coffee
Brushing your teeth after having a meal or beverage can help fight tooth decay and also prevent tooth discoloration. After having coffee, be sure to wait 30 minutes after your final sip and then brush your teeth.
Why 30 minute, you may ask? The acidity in the coffee can make your tooth enamel a bit softer. Waiting 30 minutes ensures you receive the benefits of normal oral hygiene practices without doing unintended damage to the structure of your teeth.
Periodic Touch-up Teeth Whitening Treatment
If you do notice your teeth become discolored again, do not fret. You can undergo a touch-up teeth whitening treatment at our Troy cosmetic dentistry office. This will help bleach away the early signs of discoloration and get your smile looking bright and white again.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening Treatment
For more information about teeth whitening treatment and having the best looking smile possible, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. You can reach the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute by phone at (248) 519-1919.