Can I Enjoy Red Wine and Coffee after Teeth Whitening?

Coffee and red wine are two beverages that many people enjoy on a regular basis. Coffee provides the caffeine boost that a number of people need to kick-off their day, while red wine offers a way to unwind when the day is over.

Unfortunately, coffee and red wine are notorious for causing dental stains and tooth discoloration. Professional teeth whitening lifts stains and brightens the color of the teeth, but treatment results won’t last forever. While it is still possible to enjoy red wine and coffee after teeth whitening treatment with Dr. Timothy S. Messer, our Memphis, TN, patients should take certain precautions to maintain a bright, white smile.

Protecting Treatment Results

Teeth whitening offers fast and effective results. After a single in-office whitening session that takes about an hour, the teeth will be up to eight shades brighter and free of surface stains. It is important that patients take steps to preserve these treatment results, especially during the crucial days immediately following their procedure.

The bleaching agents that are used in whitening formulas open up the pores of the dental enamel so that set stains can be lifted away. After exposure to bleaching agents, it takes some time for pores to shrink back to their normal size. As a result, the teeth will be more susceptible to stains and discoloration immediately following teeth whitening treatment. Until the pores of the tooth enamel have shrunk back down, we recommend that our Memphis patients avoid drinking red wine, coffee, or other highly staining beverages.

When Can I Drink Coffee and Red Wine after Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Coffee and red wine may be a regular part of a person’s routine, so the thought of avoiding them can be difficult. Fortunately, it shouldn’t take long for the teeth to recover from teeth whitening treatment. If possible, people should avoid coffee and red wine for the first week after teeth whitening. However, if that is too hard, skipping coffee and red wine for at least 48 hours after whitening should be sufficient to prevent premature stains or discoloration.

Long-term Maintenance

Even beyond the teeth whitening recovery period, the teeth can become stained and discolored over time. To prolong whitening results as long as possible, our Memphis patients should consider these maintenance tips:

• Drink red wine and coffee in moderation. The more a person consumes these beverages, the greater the risk of dental stains
• Use a straw when drinking red wine or coffee to minimize contact with the teeth
• Brush the teeth or rinse the mouth with water after consuming foods and beverages that are known to stain the teeth
• Consider using a whitening toothbrush to keep the teeth bright between professional treatments
• Schedule touch-up whitening treatments as needed

Contact Us

If red wine or coffee have left your teeth looking dull and discolored, professional teeth whitening can restore a brighter, whiter smile. To learn more about teeth whitening treatment with Dr. Timothy S. Messer, call (901) 751-1260 and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

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