Background
Crest White Strips is a popular teeth whitening system created by Procter & Gamble. The product is sold in drugstores, convenience stores and grocery stores, and has been advocated by dentists and dental professionals as an effective way to whiten teeth.
Crest White Strips is a type of product called a strip. It is an adhesive strip that is designed to release a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening agent directly onto the enamel of the teeth. The product comes with instructions for proper use, which includes a minimum of two applications per day for about two weeks.
An important part of the product’s instructions is to not eat or drink for 30 minutes after application. This is to make sure that the hydrogen peroxide has time to do its job without the interference of food or drinks.
The big question is: Is it okay to drink coffee after using Crest White Strips? The answer depends on the type of coffee, its strength and temperature, and the individual’s personal make up.
Experts Weigh In
According to experts, coffee can be consumed an hour after application. Coffee is acidic and its tannic compounds can potentially interfere with the whitening agent, therefore it is best to wait a bit before drinking it.
The strength of the coffee can also play a part. Generally speaking, stronger coffees are more acidic, and their tannic compounds are more concentrated, so they have a greater potential of interfering with the whitening agent.
Temperature is also an important factor to consider. Higher temperatures can increase the acidity, making it more likely to interfere with whitening. Therefore, it is best to wait until the coffee has cooled to below body temperature before drinking.
Finally, an individual’s personal makeup can affect the equation. Some people may be more sensitive to acidic foods and drinks, and for them, it is best to wait until after the application period is over before indulging in coffee.
Insights and Analysis
It is important to remember that while coffee may not directly interfere with the whitening process, it can have an indirect effect on the results. Coffee stains and discoloration can quickly nullify any whitening results, due to its tannic and acidic properties.
To minimize the damages, it is best to wait an hour after application before indulging in coffee. It is also best to avoid the stronger and hotter varieties of the beverage until the time period prescribed by the product has elapsed.
Even after the product has been used, it is still important to monitor daily consumption of coffee and other beverages, as teeth stained and discolored from coffee can take a few weeks to remove and will cause any whitening treatments to be fruitless.
Finally, it is important to use the product as instructed and follow good oral hygiene habits for the optimum results. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, using non-abrasive toothpaste, and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Additionally, professional checkups and cleanings should be maintained at least once every six months.
Pros and Cons of Using Coffee After Crest White Strips
The pros of drinking coffee after Crest White Strips include: reduced risk of interference with the whitening agent, reduced risk of stains and discoloration, and faster and more effective whitening results.
The cons of drinking coffee after Crest White Strips include: increased risk of interference with the whitening agent, increased risk of stains and discoloration, slower and less effective whitening results, and potential sensitivity reactions.
Does Rinsing With Water Help?
According to experts, rinsing with water after using Crest White Strips can help reduce the risk of interference with the whitening agent, reduce the risk of stains and discoloration, and speed up the whitening process.
Rinsing with water on its own is not enough, however. It is important to wait a full hour before indulging in coffee or other acidic foods and drinks. Additionally, good oral hygiene should be observed, including brushing and flossing twice a day and using non-abrasive toothpaste.
Caring for Teeth After Using Crest White Strips
After using Crest White Strips, it is important to follow specific steps to ensure that teeth stay white and healthy. This includes monitoring intake of coffee, other acidic foods and drinks, and sugary snacks and drinks. Additionally, regular checkups and cleanings are recommended.
Good oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining white teeth. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, using non-abrasive toothpaste, and rinsing with water after drinking coffee and other acidic beverages.
Finally, it is important to stay away from overly abrasive whitening agents. Products like baking soda and lemon juice can have a negative effect on the enamel of the teeth, leading to discoloration and staining.
Alternatives to Crest White Strips
There are several alternatives to Crest White Strips, including professional whitening treatments, at-home whitening kits, teeth whitening toothpastes, and teeth whitening strips.
Professional treatments use a photochemically activated bleaching agent to achieve results more quickly and with fewer appointments. At-home kits provide similar results but take more time, typically two weeks or more, to achieve maximum results.
Teeth whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that help lift surface stains and discoloration, and can provide good results over time. Teeth whitening strips are similar to Crest White Strips and can be used in combination with other methods to achieve maximum results.
