Can You Drink Coffee and Soda After Teeth Whitening?

After investing in a teeth whitening treatment, it’s natural to wonder about the impact of your diet on your newly brightened smile. Among the common concerns are whether you can continue drinking soda, coffee, and tea without compromising your results. Below, our Elgin cosmetic dentist—Dr. Dean Lodding—outlines how your beverage choices can impact your newly whitened smile, as well as tips for how you can continue to enjoy your favorite drinks while minimizing staining. 

Soda: Unfortunately, soda is not the best choice post-teeth whitening. It is highly acidic and often contains dark pigments that can easily stain your teeth. After a whitening treatment, your teeth are more porous and vulnerable to staining, making them more susceptible to the effects of soda. If you do drink soda, Dr. Lodding suggests opting for lighter-colored varieties and using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. However, limiting your intake altogether is the best way to maintain your results.

Tea and Coffee: Tea and coffee are both common culprits when it comes to teeth staining. Like soda, tea contains tannins and acids that can discolor your teeth. Green and white teas are less likely to cause staining, but they still carry some risk. If you’re a tea lover, consider switching to herbal teas, which are generally lighter in color and less likely to stain. Coffee, meanwhile, is highly acidic and also darker in color. 

To preserve your teeth whitening results, it’s wise to avoid coffee, soda, and tea, especially in the first 48 hours post-treatment when your teeth are most vulnerable. If you choose to indulge, consider drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth with water afterward to reduce the risk of staining. Prioritizing water and other non-staining beverages will help keep your smile bright and beautiful for longer.

To learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lodding, contact Smile for Life Dental today.