Habit of Regular Coffee Drinking
Coffee drinking has come into fashion over the past century and it has quickly become one of the most popular drinks in the world. For many people, coffee is their go-to drink and an important part of their everyday life; they associate it with their productivity, socialization, creativity and relaxation. Coffee is highly palatable and can reduce sleepiness, giving a feeling of well-being and alertness. Unfortunately, coffee is also known as a stain-causing beverage, as the dyes and tannins in the drink can affect the appearance of teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is currently one of the most popular forms of cosmetology and aesthetics. Smiles can be improved with cosmetic dental treatments such as tooth whitening, tooth veneers and bonding. It can be done in a variety of ways, from bleaching at the dentist to using over-the-counter products. Natural teeth-whitening agents such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar are also popular. Regardless of the method of whitening, the aim is to remove unwanted stains, discoloration and yellowness from teeth and restore the natural shade of teeth.
Can You Drink Coffee When Whitening Teeth?
The short answer is no; it is not recommended to drink coffee while you are in the middle of your teeth-whitening regimen. Even nibbling on some food or drinking something other than water with whitening products can lessen the whitening effect. That’s because the whitening process works by stripping away the stains on tooth enamel and having food or coffee before the enamel is completely stripped off can cause the stain to reappear. In addition, coffee has naturally dark color and can easily cause discoloration.
Moreover, coffee is acidic in nature and has a high concentration of tannins which can irritate teeth and cause the teeth to become more porous, which in turn makes it easier for coffee to penetrate teeth and cause staining. Furthermore, because coffee reduces saliva production, it can lead to dry mouth and make it harder for the whitening products to work.
Best Practices For Maintaining Tooth Whiteness
The best way to keep your teeth white is to practice good oral hygiene every day. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing after meals, and gargling with a mouthwash helps to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause stains. Moreover, it’s important to keep an eye on the type of food and drinks you consume, as some of these can be detrimental to the whiteness of teeth. Foods like curry, soy sauce, tomato sauce and berries, as well as drinks such as tea, coffee, and red wine can all cause staining.
It is also important to visit your dentist on a regular basis to get your teeth cleaned and examined. Your dentist can also recommend specific products that suit your needs, as well as offer advice on how to ensure the best results from teeth whitening.
Using Whitening Products Safely
Although over-the-counter products are readily available for use at home, it is important to adhere to the instructions provided. This is to avoid potentially adverse health effects such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and enamel damage. It is also important to note that whitening toothpaste don’t whiten, they just prevent further staining; whitening strips, pens and gels are safer and often more effective choices.
Coffee Alternatives
If you’re still craving your cup of joe but don’t want to risk staining your teeth, there are some options that are much better than coffee. Many people prefer to make teeth-staining food and drinks as healthy, green smoothie bowls, herbal teas, and more. Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are rich in vitamin C and can help support the health of your teeth, while green tea can be a great way to start your day and still enjoy something a little bit tasty.
Professional Teeth Whitening
There are two popular types of professional teeth whitening procedures, lasers and LED whitening. Laser whitening uses bleaching gel and applies light to activate the product, while LED might be the preferred choice due to its safety, lower invasiveness, and lack of risk of gum damage. For best results, laser whitening and LED whitening should always be done by a qualified professional in order to ensure that the process is safe and successful.
Dieting Habits
It is important to be aware of your diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and white. Eating a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts can reduce the risk of dental inflammation and can help keep your teeth looking their best. In addition, limiting the consumption of sugary drinks and foods such as candy and soda can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and staining.
Oral Hygiene Habits
The key to maintaining healthy teeth and whiteness is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing and flossing, using mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for check-ups. It is also important to maintain a healthy habit of drinking water after meals and snacks, as this helps to reduce the acidity of the food and wash away residue that can cause staining. In addition, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples or carrots in between meals can also help to remove any residue or plaque on your teeth.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with coffee and teeth whitening, and to practice good oral hygiene to keep teeth looking and feeling their best. Avoiding coffee while you have whitening products on is essential, and choosing alternatives such as green smoothie bowls or herbal teas can help to reduce the risk of staining and discoloration. Additionally, visiting a qualified dentist for professional whitening treatments is recommended to maximize the whitening effect, as well as maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and good oral hygiene habits.
