What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that uses either chemical or light treatments to restore the natural white shade of the enamel on the teeth. This procedure is referred to as tooth whitening, bleaching, or stain removal. The aim of the process is to reduce the appearance of any discolored, stained and yellowed teeth. Opalescence, Zoom, Deep Bleaching and Laser whitening are some of the popular whitening treatments.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by bleaching the enamel of your teeth with a special whitening solution. Depending on the type of whitening treatment, this solution can either be applied directly to the teeth using a tray, administered using a light in combination with the solution, or a hydrogen peroxide gel can be applied to the teeth. When the solution is applied to the teeth, oxygen molecules penetrate the enamel and help in breaking down the discoloration caused by aging, foods, beverages, smoking, etc.
How Long After Teeth Whitening Can You Drink Coffee?
The answer to this question depends on the type of teeth whitening treatment you’ve undergone. Generally, the effects of the treatment can last up to three to four months, but drinking coffee, tea, or red wine can speed up the discoloration process.
Following teeth whitening, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before consuming any teeth-staining liquids such as coffee, tea or red wine. During this period, the tooth enamel will become more porous and will be more prone to staining. Additionally, it is also important to maintain proper oral hygiene and to minimize the intake of foods and drinks that can cause staining.
Tips to Protect Teeth from Discoloration After Whitening
Here are some tips to protect your teeth’s whiteness after a teeth whitening treatment:
1. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, or red wine.
2. Avoid smoking as much as possible.
3. Eat a balanced diet and limit your sugar intake.
4. Use whitening-friendly toothpaste and non-alcohol based mouthwash.
5. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
6. Avoid acidic beverages, such as soda and energy drinks.
7. Make sure to get regular dental cleanings.
8. Avoid grinding your teeth.
What if Coffee Can’t Be Avoided?
If you are unable to avoid drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, you might want to consider using a straw when you consume these drinks. The straw will direct the liquid away from your teeth, minimizing contact with the enamel. Additionally, it is wise to brush your teeth as soon as you are done consuming the drinks so the liquid does not have more time to settle into the enamel.
Products to Protect Teeth from Discoloration
In addition to practicing proper oral hygiene, there are some products on the market that protect your teeth from staining. These can be rinses and/or gels.
The rinses contain ingredients that prevent staining and protect the enamel by reducing the porosity of the tooth. The rinses also contain fluoride, which helps to strengthen the enamel.
On the other hand, there are also gels that can be used. These gels usually contain hydrogen peroxide, which helps to remove the discolored material on the enamel.
Experts Perspective
Most dentists and experts recommend waiting at least 24 hours after a teeth whitening procedure before consuming any teeth-staining liquids such as coffee, tea or red wine. Following this advice can help to prevent discoloration and keep teeth looking white longer. Additionally, it is important to practice a good oral hygiene routine and to avoid smoking as much as possible. If you must consume these drinks, it is recommended to use a straw and brush your teeth after consuming them. Investing in products such as rinses and gels can also help to minimize discoloration caused by these drinks.
Useful Tips
1. Always wait at least 24 hours before consuming any teeth-staining liquids after a teeth whitening procedure.
2. Use a straw when consuming these drinks to reduce contact with the enamel.
3. Practice a good oral hygiene routine and avoid smoking as much as possible.
4. Invest in products such as rinses and gels that can protect your teeth from staining.
How to Limit Discoloration
Regularly getting your teeth whitened is a great way to keep your smile looking bright and white. However, discoloration caused by coffee, tea and red wine can still occur even if your teeth are regularly whitened. Here are some tips on how to reduce staining and keep your teeth looking white:
1. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, and red wine as much as possible.
2. Use a straw when consuming these drinks.
3. Brush, floss, and use a whitening toothpaste after consuming these drinks.
4. Use a rinse or gel that is designed to reduce staining.
5. Drink plenty of water after consuming these drinks to help flush away any leftover residue.
Products to Reduce Staining
There are many products on the market that can help to reduce staining and keep your teeth looking white. Teeth whitening toothpastes are a great way to remove stains after consuming coffee, tea and red wine. There are also whitening rinses and gels that can help protect the enamel and reduce staining. Additionally, some whitening strips can be used to help remove surface stains.
At Home Whitening Kits
At home whitening kits are also available which contain a whitening solution, a tray and directions. The tray is filled with a whitening solution and then molded to the teeth for a period of time. The solution will normally contain hydrogen peroxide which helps to remove discoloration and restore the whiteness of the teeth. These whitening kits are more affordable than professional whitening treatments and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
It is important to wait at least 24 hours after a teeth whitening procedure before consuming any teeth-staining liquids such as coffee, tea or red wine. Additionally, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene and to avoid smoking as much as possible. Investing in products such as rinses and gels can also help to minimize discoloration caused by these drinks. At home whitening kits are a great way to remove surface discoloration, but always be sure to read the instructions before use.
