Bright, white teeth are one of the most desired features of an attractive smile. Sadly, many of the foods and beverages that people enjoy on a daily basis compromise tooth color and lead to dental stains. Dr. Sharon B. Mateja offers professional teeth whitening treatment to significantly improve tooth color and give our Rancho Cucamonga, CA, patients the bright smile they desire.

After teeth whitening treatment, many people wonder if they have to give up their favorite beverages, like coffee and red wine, to preserve the results of treatment. Fortunately, patients can enjoy coffee and red wine after teeth whitening treatment, as long as they adhere to a few simple tips.

Take a 24-hour Break

Many people start their day with a cup of coffee and end it with a glass of wine. Completely altering your lifestyle after teeth whitening treatment is not necessary. However, it is a good idea to refrain from drinking these beverages for at least 24 hours after teeth whitening treatment.

Coffee and red wine are deeply pigmented and highly acidic, both of which are bad for the teeth while recovering from teeth whitening. Teeth whitening opens the pores of the teeth to lift stains and discoloration. While the pores are still exposed, they are more prone to staining. Acidic beverages can aggravate teeth that are already likely to be sensitive from exposure to bleaching agents. The longer that our patients can avoid coffee and wine after teeth whitening treatment, the lower the risk of discoloration or tooth sensitivity.

Consider a Straw

When our Rancho Cucamonga patients are ready to drink coffee and wine again, they should consider drinking their beverages with a straw. A straw may not be typical for coffee and wine, but it can be beneficial in preserving tooth color. A straw carries beverages to the back of the mouth so that they make less contact with the teeth, which makes it less likely that stains or discoloration will develop.

Rinse or Brush after Drinking

One of the most important things that a person can do to protect the teeth from stains and discoloration associated with coffee and red wine is to brush the teeth after drinking. Brushing will remove pigmentation from the teeth and clean away acids that can eat away at tooth enamel.

Understandably, it is not always possible to brush after consuming coffee or red wine. If brushing is not possible, rinsing the mouth with water is the best way to quickly clean the teeth.

Schedule Touch-up Appointments

Even if our Rancho Cucamonga patients follow all of the tips mentioned above, the teeth are likely to become dull or discolored over time. To preserve the bright, white color that they desire, individuals should schedule touch-up teeth whitening treatments as necessary.

Contact Us

Professional teeth whitening is a safe and affordable way for our patients to keep the smile bright, white, and attractive. If you have questions about the teeth whitening process or the aftercare that follows, Dr. Sharon B. Mateja would be happy to answer them. Send us a message at your earliest convenience, or call (909) 989-5959 for more information.