Are you looking to improve the color of your teeth and wondering if drinking coffee afterwards might undo your efforts? Teeth whitening is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment of choice, and coffee is one of the
most frequently consumed beverages in the world. But which one of these options is best for your teeth?
When considering teeth whitening, the main concern is not only how to keep the new color, but also the time and care needed to take after the procedure. Generally speaking, the time it takes to properly care and take precautions immediately after teeth whitening is as essential as the actual process itself. After switching up the trajectory of your teeth to a brighter look, it’s recommended that you wait at least 48 hours before consuming coffee, or any other beverage that stains teeth.
This waiting period is necessary for the teeth to naturally replenish their phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium which is lost during the bleaching process. Without doing so, these minerals won’t be able to properly filter and absorb the discoloration from the coffee, resulting in an undesired smudging of the teeth. This can significantly reduce the whitening treatment’s lasting effects. That’s why allowing your teeth to rest after whitening is a crucial element to maintain your smile and desired brightness.
According to certified dental hygienist Kelly Kier, “Your teeth need at least 48 hours of recovery time after the whitening procedure. Most treatments last a few minutes, but it can take up to two days for your teeth to recover. You should also avoid consuming anything that can stain your teeth, especially coffee and any other acidic drinks.”
The first 48-hours are vital for the whitening treatment to work its magic – but that doesn’t mean that you can just resume your regular activities after. It’s important to note that any food engagement should be mindful. That is to say, any food that can potentially cause build-up on the teeth should be avoided. Additionally, post-treatment oral hygiene should be taken very seriously. Brushing with a light abrasion toothpaste is recommended, and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide can help prolong the brightness of your teeth.
Ultimately, waiting 48 hours after teeth whitening before drinking coffee is key if you want your results to last. Coffee and other acidic drinks must be consumed in moderation and used as a timer for your next teeth cleaning session. Regular teeth cleanings are also critical, additionally supported by regular brushing and flossing.
Responsive Teeth to Teeth Whitening
To assess the effectiveness of your teeth whitening process, it’s important to know how likely your teeth are to respond to the process. In general, the more naturally light shade your teeth had before treatment would be the more impressive the result. One other factor is the age of the patient. Teeth whitening is most successful and effective on people between the ages of 18 to 40. Reasons include that their teeth are less affected by the natural processes of ageing and have less of the discoloration and mineral deposits which can interfere with the whitening.
Besides that, surface stains are usually the easiest to treat when it comes to teeth whitening while internal rotting is much harder to remove. Teeth that have had cavities, root canals, or other treatments may be incompatible with certain teeth whitening methods, but on average teeth whitening is suitable for most.
Keep in mind that even if your teeth don’t respond as well as you hoped, there’s more to teeth whitening than just the results. Even though there may be a few limitations to what it can do, having a polished, brighter, and beautiful smile will inevitably boost your self-confidence.
Public Perception of Teeth Whitening
Having whiter teeth will certainly pay off in the long-term, but is the process socially accepted? According to a survey done by dentist Shawn Josephs, 81 per cent of participants who had teeth whitening said they felt more attractive with their new pearly whites. An even larger percentage, 89 per cent, said they felt more confident talking to others.
This goes to show that although the initial investment may not be cheap, the long term confidence boost and overall health benefits are worth every penny. But what if you’re worried about the effects of teeth whitening on others? It turns out that 54 per cent of the surveyed people agreed that they found people with whiter teeth more socially appealing.
Overall, it appears that the public perception of teeth whitening is positive. The whitening process is done in an effort to reveal the patient’s underlying smile, and the results were found to be highly accepted. With this said, it’s important to remember that excessive whitening can make the teeth look artificial, so moderation and control are key.
Dangers of Teeth Whitening
In spite of the extensive efforts that dentists make in order to provide patients with a positive outcome, the dangers and risks of teeth whitening cannot be ignored. Possible side effects can include cavities, gum sensitivity, and enamel abrasion or even surface damage, the most serious one being the weakening of the teeth.
The extent of the damage that the whitening process may cause varies from person to person and depends on their overall oral health. Pregnant women and children under 18 should avoid teeth whitening treatments, as this can do more harm than good in the long term. Additionally, it’s suitable for people with healthy gums, cavity-free and no other oral complications.
If you’re considering getting your teeth whitened, you should always research the clinic, the dentist in charge and the package you’ll be signing up for. Consulting with a certified dentist and using safe products are the best and most recommended ways to ensure your effect outcomes.
Teeth Whitening At Home
Apart from professional teeth whitening, home kits and diy procedures can be an option for some people. There are various recipes available at every store, but it’s important to keep in mind that these methods lack the precision and accuracy of professional treatments.
That said, you may consider exploring natural alternatives in order to minimize potential damage to your teeth. For instance, some of the most recommended items are apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and baking soda. Mixing and matching these elements or using other ingredients such as salt and lemon juice is popularly used to brush and scrub the teeth.
Adding natural remedies or over-the-counter products to your dental routine may help remove some staining but cannot replace a thorough professional clean. Home kits lack ingredients that are as powerful as those used by dentists. Also, the equipment used at home is usually not as advanced as what professionals use for whitening.
The whitening process can be made easier at home by following expert advice and taking the appropriate safety measures. It’s key to stay away from over the counter whitening products and always check the instructions before using any product. Doing this will give far better results than taking any drastic or potentially damaging measures – beauty treatments should always be done safely.
