How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Drink Coffee?

If you are like most people, you enjoy a nice cup of coffee every now and then. However, if you have just had your teeth whitened, you may be wondering how long you need to wait before enjoying your favorite drink. If that’s you, we have you covered!

Here are answers to common questions around the effects of coffee on your teeth. 

1. What are the effects of coffee on teeth?

Coffee, especially black coffee can effect your teeth more than just staining them. Coffee can be very acidic and drinking coffee daily can lead to enamel erosion, potentially leaving teeth thin and brittle. This is important because enamel protects our teeth against decay.

2. How long after teeth whitening can you drink coffee?

According to the American Dental Association, you can drink coffee and other beverages immediately after teeth whitening. However, it is still a good idea to avoid eating or drinking anything that is acidic or abrasive, such as citrus fruits or soda, for at least 24 hours. This will help protect your teeth from any damage that could occur after the whitening process.

In addition, you should avoid smoking and drinking red wine for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening. Both of these activities can stain your teeth, so it is best to give them a little time to recover after the whitening treatment.

We suggest waiting at least 48 hours before drinking any coffee, soda, red wine, or stain promoting liquids.

3. What to do if you can’t wait to drink coffee and have recently had your teeth whitened?

At a very minimum we suggest waiting 12 hours and when you do drink your coffee try drinking your coffee through a straw. Keep in mind this can impact the results you are looking for with your teeth whitening.

4. What are some alternatives to coffee that won't stain your teeth?

• White Tea -Teeth have more tolerance towards white tea than green and black tea. White Tea comes from the same plant as green tea so you get the same nutrients for energy!
• Yerba Mate -Is a South American grown tea which is rich antioxidants and is naturally caffeinated providing a coffee like feel for energy.
• Rooibas Herbal Tea –This has a nutty taste so by many its called the coffee drinker’s tea. Rooibas Herbal Tea is actually a tisane and not a tea which has less teeth staining ingredients.

 5. What are some tips for keeping your teeth white and healthy if you drink coffee?

To keep it simple, the longer your teeth are touching dark drinks and foods you have a higher chance of becoming stained. So, staying away completely is highly suggested.

However, if that is not always possible or too hard to achieve, use a straw as suggested above or follow the tips provided in this quick video.

If you follow these tips, you can enjoy your favorite coffee drinks after teeth whitening in the suggested amount of time and worry less about losing your pearly whites.

 Stay Healthy!