Can You Drink Coffee after Teeth Whitening? By Bruce Wilderman on November 28, 2015

At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, the cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Bruce J. Wilderman, we proudly feature three of the leading professional tooth whitening systems currently available: Zoom!®, BriteSmile®, and KöR®. Each of these teeth whitening systems safely, efficiently, and effectively whitens teeth by multiple shades in a single brief office visit. Patients emerge with dramatically whiter, healthier-looking smiles. Even the most stubborn stains can be significantly lightened, and many can be eliminated altogether. With proper maintenance, the results of teeth whitening can last for years.

One of the most common questions asked by our teeth whitening patients is “How can I maintain my results? Do I have to give up coffee, for example?” The good news is that, no, you don’t have to give up coffee after teeth whitening. During consultations at his Philadelphia, PA cosmetic dentistry practice, Dr. Wilderman provides teeth whitening patients with information on how to maintain their results without giving up all of the foods and drinks they love. As with most things in life, a little common sense goes a long way.

Drinking Coffee after Undergoing Tooth Bleaching

First, it is important to note that, during the first 48 hours after your teeth bleaching treatment, you will not be able to drink coffee or any other food or liquid that could stain your teeth. In fact, the general rule of thumb is that, during this 48-hour window, you should avoid any food or liquid that could stain a white t-shirt. Coffee, of course, would be included on this list.

The reason for this is that your teeth will be temporarily dehydrated after the teeth whitening process. The hydrogen-peroxide-based gel applied to the teeth will naturally leave them in a dehydrated state, during which they will be particularly vulnerable to staining. This is inevitable and no cause for concern. As time passes, your saliva will naturally rehydrate your teeth, and you will be less susceptible to staining once again.

Of course, this is not to say that you will be invulnerable to the staining effects of coffee and other foods and beverages. Indeed, if you continue to consume the same foods and drinks that you did prior to teeth whitening, you will suffer the same consequences. While you can continue to drink coffee, you would be wise to do so in moderation. Be sure to brush and rinse your mouth regularly.

One effective strategy when consuming staining beverages such as coffee is to drink them through a straw. This will help to prevent the front surfaces of your teeth from coming into contact with the liquid and becoming exposed to the staining agent. If your teeth do become discolored after teeth whitening, you can use the touch-up kit provided to you by Dr. Wilderman to help restore your smile.