Nutrition and Coffee after Tray Whiteners
Recently, there has been an increase in popularity of tray whitening strips, whereby whitening treating solutions are applied to special strips that are designed to fit along the surface of the teeth. These are meant to be durable and stay securely in place while you carry out your day to day activities. There is an implication that coffee and other dark pigmented drinks may cause a discoloration effect on your newly whitened teeth.
At the same time, more knowledge is being disseminated on the effects of nutrition on teeth whitening. The question remains as to whether or not you should still be consuming coffee after tray whitening strips. According to the American Dental Association, majority of discoloration from food and beverages like coffee, tea and wine can be prevented by proper oral hygiene.
To answer this question, we spoke to several experts. Here are some insights from dental clinicians, nutritionists and other specialists on the matter:
Dr. Mike Watson, a dental professional in New York: “The yellowish tinting caused by coffee is due to particle surface staining, which will not be affected by tray whitening strips. However, it is still advised to maintain good oral hygiene, like brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouth rinses to keep your teeth looking healthy and white.”
Ashley Davis, a Nutrition Consultant in New York: “The main issue lies in the nutrients found in coffee that can affect the teeth. Additionally, people need to be careful that the acidity present in drinks like coffee does not damage the tooth enamel in the long run. People should stick to an appropriate diet that is balanced and make sure to drink plenty of water.”
Anthony White, an orthodontist in California: “You should maintain good oral hygiene after a tray whitening procedure such as avoiding beverages that are dark in color and doing some light brushing with a whitening toothpaste. Avoiding products with citric or other acid-containing juices and soft drinks will help keep teeth white.”
Dental Risks with Coffee Consumption
Consuming coffee can lead to potential dental risks, if not properly managed. Coffee contains a potent variation of acids, including lactic acid and citric acid, which can cause erosive wear and tear on your tooth enamel if consumed in high quantities. The chemicals present in coffee can attack the outer covering of our teeth, which leads to tooth sensitivity and breakage.
This is the reason why it’s important to avoid excessive drinking of beverages like coffee. Generally, it is suggested to rinse your mouth with water or a mouth rinse after drinking coffee or any other dark colored beverages such as tea or colas. This will reduce the exposure time of the acid on the enamel.
Additionally, keep in mind that if you’re using whitening strips it is important to also use whitening toothpastes to touch up any areas that may need it. This is because whitening strips can work in combination with whitening toothpastes to make your teeth look shinier and brighter.
Keep in mind that it is still recommended to cut down on drinking coffee. The optimal solution is to minimize the frequency of drinking coffee in order to prevent any possible staining or teeth erosion.
Dental Care Tips for Coffee Drinkers
In addition to regular brushing, flossing and mouth washing, one thing to do is to not drink coffee on an empty stomach. By doing so, you can prevent the acids from coming in direct contact with your teeth.
It is also helpful to consider using a straw when drinking coffee. This will limit the contact of the beverage with the front of your teeth, and prevents diskoloration.
Consuming dairy products with coffee can help the saliva neutralize acids. Additionally, it is recommended to drink water between sips of coffee or other dark colored beverages with acid. This will flush out the acid and prevent it from staying in contact with your teeth.
It is also important to consider using natural methods of teeth whitening. Examples include using activated charcoal or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in combination with toothbrushing.
Tooth Whitening Strips vs Professional Whitening Treatments
Due to the innate risks of tray whitening strips, many people opt for professional whitening treatments from certified dentists. This is a much safer procedure that has minimal risks, as the bleaching agents used are highly concentrated and effective.
Furthermore, professional treatments offer more comprehensive coverage and an even coloring to the teeth, as opposed to tray whitening strips.
It is important to be aware that using tray whitening strips will not provide the same level of whitening as a professional treatment. For this reason, it is equipped to consider a professional whitening treatment if you would like the most dramatic results.
Natural Remedies for Whiter Teeth
There are some natural remedies that one can use in order to whiten their teeth. Apples, strawberries and oranges all have a whitening effect, due to their citric acid that helps brighten the teeth. A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can also be brushed onto the teeth for a few minutes and then rinsed off for a whiter look.
Another solution is to use coconut oil for teeth whitening. This natural antibacterial oil helps to balance bacteria in the mouth and prevent cavities. Studies have revealed that adding a few drops of coconut oil to your toothpaste can help remove unwanted bacteria and plaque. Additionally, its hydrating properties make it a great option for brushing and whitening.
Interestingly, one more natural remedy for whitening teeth is to gargle with apple cider vinegar. This is widely known for its antibacterial and antifungal effects, and recently it has been revealed that apple cider vinegar is beneficial for teeth whitening too. All you have to do is swish it around in your mouth for a few minutes and then rinse with water.
DIY Tray Whitening Strips
DIY tray whitening strips are strips that you can buy over the counter or make at home if you would like some in-home bleaching treatment. DIY tray whitening strips are simply made with combinations of glove, hydrogen peroxide and other bleaching agents.
These can be placed on the teeth for several minutes and then removed. It is important to remember that professionals advise against using DIY tray whitening strips too frequently, as overuse can cause damage to the teeth and gums.
When using DIY tray whitening strips, make sure to look for strips that are made of food-grade and medical-grade materials. Additionally, it is important to read up on the instructions carefully and to follow them in order to ensure that they are used safely.
It is essential to remember that with all whitening treatments, proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. While many products promise whiter teeth, it is also important to remember that good dental care is the most important factor for achieving brighter, healthier teeth.
