Can I drink coffee and soda after my teeth whitening appointment?

Teeth whitening removes stains from the teeth, including everyday things such as food, drink, and tobacco. Teeth whitening can be done in several ways, each with varying qualities. The most common way is by using strips that adhere to the teeth and remove stains over time; this can sometimes result in insensitivity in the mouth.

According to dentists, any drink with color, especially things like coffee and soda, can negatively impact teeth whitening after treatment, which is why we do not recommend drinking any substance with coloring for 48 hours after a whitening treatment. Since any of these drinks can leave stains on the teeth, they can cause them to appear unevenly whitened.

In addition, they are both acidic, which can cause the teeth to become sensitive or wear down enamel. Here’s what to know about teeth whitening and how soon you can have coffee or soda after your whitening appointment.

Coffee

Coffee is a very complex beverage and has many different ingredients that affect the teeth. Chlorogenic acid can increase sensitivity in the mouth after teeth whitening because the acidity wears down enamel. The caffeine in coffee is also known to decrease saliva production, and this, in addition to its acids, could lead you to experience dry mouth after your appointment. Coffee can also stain the teeth and lead to uneven whitening due to its acids. It’s best to avoid or limit drinking coffee or other beverages high in caffeine after your teeth whitening treatment.

Soda

Soda is not as drying as coffee and therefore does not have the same effect on teeth whitening – it tends to be more hydrating. This effect means that soda has a neutralizing effect and can help prevent dry mouth, a common side effect of teeth whitening.

However, soda has still been shown to affect patients’ teeth after undergoing a whitening treatment. A study published in the American Journal of Dentistry found that soda can reduce teeth whiteness by 40%. Soda also contains phosphoric acid, which can erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity after teeth whitening. It’s best to have soda in moderation and when you do drink it, drink it within a reasonable amount of time rather than sipping throughout the day. Do not drink soda for at least 48 hours if you’ve recently had a professional whitening treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re interested in learning more about teeth whitening and the best ways to maintain healthy, bright teeth, our team can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Tadros and our team by calling or filling out our online form.