Tips for Drinking Coffee and Wine after Teeth Whitening By Danny O'Keefe D.D.S. on November 01, 2019

Teeth whitening is highly effective at lifting dental stains caused by many of the foods we eat and drink.

Coffee and wine are two of the biggest culprits in causing tooth discoloration. Accordingly, those who regularly enjoy coffee or wine will need to make some adjustments to their drinking habits after undergoing teeth whitening.

Dr. Danny O'Keefe gives patients tips on how to enjoy coffee and wine after teeth whitening during consultations at our practice in Flowood, MS. To receive your personalized tips, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.

Protecting Teeth Whitening Results from Coffee and Wine

The best way for coffee and wine drinkers to maintain the results of teeth whitening treatment is to avoid drinking coffee and wine altogether. However, completely eliminating coffee or wine is not realistic for most people.

Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy coffee and wine after teeth whitening to reduce the risk of dental stains and prolong whitening results. Here are some tips that can help our Flowood patients keep their teeth their whitest.

Avoid Coffee and Wine for 48 Hours

While it may not be feasible to eliminate coffee and wine forever, it is important to avoid coffee and wine for at least 48 hours after whitening treatment as the teeth are more susceptible to staining during this time frame.

Drink Coffee and Wine in Moderation

Drinking several cups of coffee or wine a day can quickly cause the teeth to discolor, affecting the results of whitening treatment. The less coffee or wine you drink, the less likely they will stain your teeth.

Practice moderation when drinking coffee or wine by limiting the amount you drink each day. For example, if you drink two cups of coffee a day, try limiting yourself to one.

Drink with a Straw

Drinking with a straw reduces the beverage’s contact with the teeth. While it may not sound appealing to drink coffee or wine with a straw, it can help reduce the risk of staining.

Consider using a metal travel thermos with a straw when drinking hot or iced coffee. Add a straw to your wine glass or look for a specialty wine glass that comes with a straw.

Brush the Teeth after Drinking Coffee or Wine

After drinking coffee or wine, it's a good idea to brush the teeth to help remove coffee and wine remnants that can stain the teeth.

However, it is important not to immediately brush the teeth since the acids in coffee and wine can cause the enamel to soften. Brushing while the enamel is soft can cause it to wear down faster and expose the yellow dentin layer of the teeth. Wait about 25 to 30 minutes for best results.

Swish the Mouth with Water

Swishing the mouth with water after coffee or wine, especially if you're unable to brush your teeth, can help reduce the risk of staining the teeth.

Swishing with water helps neutralize acids, which are found in coffee and wine, as well wash away coffee and wine pigments from the teeth.

Brush with a Whitening Toothpaste

Regularly using a whitening toothpaste can help lessen the degree to which coffee and wine stain the teeth. Using a whitening toothpaste is also a good way to maintain results between whitening treatments.

Schedule an Appointment

If you live in or around Flowood and would like to find out if whitening treatment is right for you, we welcome you to schedule an appointment by calling our friendly staff at (601) 936-2526.