As one of the most preferred cosmetic dental solutions, teeth whitening provides the patient with a brighter smile within hours. Still, some questions and/or topics of discussion remain about the effectiveness, longevity, and follow-up of teeth whitening surgery. Being one of them, consumption of coffee is a hot topic when it comes to the aftercare of teeth whitening, especially when and how it should be consumed to not interfere with the results of the bleaching treatment.
Coffee and other beverages which contain staining agents (strong tea, red wine, "colored" soft drinks) are not advised to consume for a few days following the treatment. Even minor contact to the tooth surface compromises the integrity of the protective barrier, leading to the development of micro-cracks that "heal" spontaneously within 24 hours, sometimes longer. Your healthcare professionals will inform and specify regarding the amount of time you may consume your favorite beverage following the procedure. Besides the coloring agents that it encompasses, the warmth of coffee is harmful to white dental enamel. When drinked, the hot temperature allows the coloring agents to penetrate more quickly and stick to the surface of teeth. That being said, there probably will be no harm to the gums in any way. Tooth bleaching may damage gums, but the damage being done after the actual procedure is quite rare.
For the coffee extreme coffee lovers and/or caffeine addicts who consume a considerable amount of coffee every single day, it's recommended to dilute their coffee with room-warm milk and sip through a straw. Yet, after the drink they should urgently clean their teeth (at least brush or use a mouthwash) to minimize the staining effect on the teeth, just like it is the case with the question can I eat after teeth whitening. There isn't any clarity regarding how long you should restrict your coffee consumption. Dental professionals may advise patients not to consume coffee for longer than a week if the enamel of their tooth is sensitive and susceptible to plaque buildup.
Additionally, refraining from drinking coffee is a must, prior to 12 hours before the teeth whitening operation. If you consume coffee prior to a few hours before the bleaching treatment, the result is in danger of insignificance, and the darkening may grow more obstinate, necessitating more harsh procedures to clean the enamel. In conclusion, because the whitening procedure leaves the teeth more vulnerable to stains for a short period of time, it is recommended that you avoid stain-causing meals and drinks for several days. You can continue the consumption of these beverages after a few days. However, it is crucial to realize that coffee and wine encompass tannins, which produce discoloration on the teeth and enamel.