Effects of Coffee on Teeth Staining
Coffee can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle, but it has been known to cause tooth discolouration. Drinking coffee can cause staining of the surface of your teeth, and this can be difficult to remove. While using white strips may help to reduce the discolouration, it is not recommended to use them while drinking coffee.
Coffee contains high levels of tannins, a yellowing compound that can leave a deposit on the outside of your teeth. This discolouration can occur even with regular brushing and flossing, particularly if you are a big coffee drinker. The tannins can also penetrate your tooth enamel and cause permanent discoloration over time.
Using white strips may be helpful in lightening this discoloration, but drinking coffee while using them can negate the effects. This is because the white stripes act as a protective barrier between your teeth and the tannins, and when you drink the coffee, the tannins are able to penetrate the barrier and reach your enamel. In some cases, the tannins may even react with the whitening agent to create an even bigger stain.
White stripes may also be less effective when there’s food in your mouth. Coffee contains both tannins and acids that can weaken the potency of the active ingredient in the white stripes. This means that you will not be able to get the same results as you would when using the white stripes without food.
Expert Opinion
According to Leonard Messina, a Board Certified Dentist, “The best way to reduce tooth discoloration from coffee is to brush and floss your teeth regularly and use a good quality whitening toothpaste. Whitening strips might be used, but it’s important to be careful about the timing. When drinking coffee, it’s best to wait at least an hour after using the strips before consuming any beverages or food.”
Andrew da Costa, a dental hygiene professor at the University of Dental Medicine agrees. He suggests, “If you want to protect your teeth from staining, you should wait at least a few hours before drinking coffee. This will give the whitening agent time to work and reduce your chances of staining your teeth.”
The Benefits of Whitening Strips
Using whitening strips can help reduce tooth discolouration, but it’s important to use them correctly. Whitening strips are a better choice than whitening toothpastes, as they contain a higher concentration of bleaching agents. They also provide a more consistent level of whitening, as they can be used multiple times over a period of days or weeks. This means that you will be able to get the same degree of whitening over a prolonged period of time, rather than a short burst of whitening that may not be as effective.
My Experience with Whitening Strips
As someone who enjoys coffee, I’ve tried whitening strips to reduce the discolouration it can cause on my teeth. The strips worked well when I drank coffee after waiting at least an hour, as I noticed a visible reduction in the discolouration after about two weeks of regular use.
I’ve also found that limiting my coffee intake to two cups per day, lightly steaming the drink and using a straw have further helped reduce my tooth discoloration.
Tips for Coffee Drinkers
Drinking coffee can cause discolouration, but there are ways to reduce the risk. It is important to brush and floss regularly and use a good quality whitening toothpaste. Additionally, you should be aware that whitening strips are not meant to be used with coffee—you should wait at least an hour after using them before consuming any beverages or food.
By limiting your coffee intake to two cups per day, lightly steaming the drink and using a straw, you can reduce the amount of staining on your teeth.
Considerations When Choosing Whitening Strips
When choosing whitening strips, it’s important to consider the safety of the product. You should always choose strips that are approved by the American Dental Association and are labelled as being safe and effective. Additionally, be sure to choose strips that contain the right amount of bleaching agent for your needs. Different strengths are available and it’s important to talk to your dentist to determine the right strength for you.
The Pros and Cons of Using Whitening Strips for Teeth Whitening
The pros of using whitening strips for teeth whitening outweigh the cons. Strips are easy to use and relatively inexpensive, and they can provide a more consistent level of whitening than a single toothpaste treatment. Additionally, the strips are usually safe to use and can be picked up over the counter.
On the downside, whitening strips can be uncomfortable to wear and may cause sensitivity on the gums. Overusing the strips can also lead to tooth damage and sensitivity, so it’s important to consult with a dentist before using them.
Taking Care of Your Teeth After Using Whitening Strips
It’s important to take care of your teeth after using whitening strips, as the bleaching agents can leave them vulnerable to decay and staining. It’s important to brush and floss as normal, and to avoid foods and drinks that can discolour your teeth – including coffee.
You should also avoid using other products that could cause discolouration or weaken the whitening effects of the strips. Some products may contain chemicals that can be abrasive or even dissolve the bleaching agents from the strips. Additionally, the prolonged use of some products that claim to whiten teeth can actually make them more vulnerable to staining.
Conclusion
Using whitening strips is a good way to reduce tooth discolouration caused by drinking coffee, but it is important to be careful about the timing and use. Drinking coffee – or any substances containing tannins or acids – while using the strips can negate their effects and cause further staining.
It is also important to consider the safety of the product when choosing strips and to avoid other products that could cause further discolouration. Additionally, it is important to take care of your teeth after using the strips by brushing, flossing and avoiding foods and drinks that could discolour your teeth.
