How Long Should You Wait To Drink Tea After Teeth Whitening?
The answer to this question depends on the teeth whitening method you used. Since at-home treatments are not as strong as professional teeth whitening and will not cause any immediate damage to your teeth or gums, it is safe to drink tea 24 hours after an at-home teeth whitening treatment.
Teeth whitening kits are generally made with a type of peroxide which can be mildly abrasive to your enamel. Drinking tea immediately after an at-home whitening treatment would cause the tannins in the tea (which will be discussed later) to react with the bleach and create a chemical reaction which can damage your enamel.
Considering teeth whitening safety is paramount, it is important to take the right precautions after any type of treatment. But regardless of when you’re drinking tea, a good rule of thumb is to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after drinking tea in order to avoid any staining effects.
Is Tea Bad For Your Teeth?
It's no surprise that people love drinking tea. There are so many proven benefits, from easing inflammation to providing antioxidants. But, when it comes to your teeth, tea may not be the best choice for those who have just had their teeth whitened at home. As at-home whitening can take a few days or weeks, it can be beneficial not to drink tea for the entirety of the teeth whitening duration.
Different types of teas contain varying amounts of tannins which can stain your teeth over time with long-term consumption. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in tea leaves that give the beverage its dark colour and slightly bitter taste.
These tannins can cause the enamel on your teeth to become discoloured and erode. And as enamel is the protective layer on your tooth that can’t be regenerated, it’s essential to be mindful of what you put in your mouth. This is even more crucial after teeth whitening, as it will take some time for the enamel to re-harden after the bleaching process.
Which Tea Is Worse For Your Teeth?
Not all teas affect teeth in the same way. The darker and more acidic teas contain higher amounts of tannins which can cause discoloration of the teeth over time. Black teas, such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey, contain a high amount of tannins which can stain your teeth and undo all the hard work you put into whitening them.
While on the other hand, green tea contains fewer tannins and is, therefore, less likely to stain your teeth. You can consider opting for some caffeine-free or herbal teas such as jasmine, hibiscus, chamomile, or Rosehip after your teeth whitening procedure to maintain their shine.
Lower-quality teas also tend to have higher tannin levels, and the longer you steep your tea, the higher concentration of tannins in the cup.
If you’re one of those people that prefers adding a splash (or more!) of milk to their tea - here’s some good news: milk in tea significantly reduces staining due to its casein content.
How To Drink Tea Without Staining Your Teeth
If you want to enjoy a cup of tea without worrying about staining your teeth, there are some precautions you can take:
- Drink through a straw if possible.
- Try rinsing your mouth with water after drinking tea in order to remove any lingering particles from your teeth.
- Opt for lighter blends like green or white teas rather than darker ones such as black tea and herbal teas.
- Add milk to your tea.
- Eat more abrasive foods such as carrots, apples, and more to help remove tannins from your teeth.
If you see any signs of staining, use a teeth whitening gel pen to help lessen their appearance.
While you'll want to avoid drinking tea right after whitening your teeth at home, you also might want to develop better tea habits to ensure your teeth stay whitened for longer.
Let's take a look at some of the more common questions about tea and teeth whitening.
Can I Drink Tea After At-Home Teeth Whitening?
Don't worry - you don't have to give up tea altogether! However, it’s important to wait at least 24 hours after whitening your teeth before consuming tea or any other hot beverages such as coffee or hot chocolate. Otherwise, the heat and acidity in these drinks can cause irritation to the gums, which may be sensitive after the whitening treatment.
Can I Drink Green Tea After Teeth Whitening?
Since green tea has fewer tannins than other teas, it's less likely to stain your teeth. Just remember to wait at least 24 hours after whitening to reduce the risk of staining.
Can I Drink Iced Tea After Tooth Extraction?
Stick to drinking iced drinks after you have healed from tooth extraction. You’ll want the healing process to go normally and avoid no infection or inflammation, and iced drinks can be too cold for your mouth. Ice splinters can interfere with the blood clots that are trying to form in the tooth socket.
Does Sweet Tea Stain Your Teeth?
If you love a sweet tea, then it’s essential to know that the sugar content can also be responsible for staining. Sugar is known to cause bacteria to stick to your teeth, increasing the risk of dental caries and discoloration. When drinking any type of tea, it’s important to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth afterwards to stop the sugar from sticking around.
How Long After Drinking Tea Can I Brush My Teeth?
While you might be tempted to brush your teeth immediately after drinking tea, this isn’t recommended. The acidity from the tea can affect the enamel on your teeth, so it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush. As acid weakens the enamel, it can become vulnerable to further damage from harsh toothbrushes and abrasive toothpaste.
Waiting allows time for saliva to neutralise the acidity and replenish some of the minerals in your enamel that have been lost during drinking.
Is Tea Or Coffee Worse For Your Teeth?
When it comes to teeth whitening, coffee is not your friend. Coffee has a higher concentration of tannins and other staining compounds than tea does, so when you drink coffee, it can be more likely to stain your teeth if you consume too much. Coffee also has a higher acidity level than tea which means it can wear down enamel more quickly.
Does Tea Damage Tooth Enamel?
Another vital factor to consider when it comes to tea and dental health is acidity. A higher acidic content can erode tooth enamel which increases sensitivity and opens up pores in your teeth, making them more susceptible to staining.
Does Tea Weaken Your Teeth?
It’s not just the staining and acidity that can cause damage to your teeth. Excessive consumption of tea can also weaken them over time due to its caffeine content, which is known to reduce calcium levels in the body.
Does Drinking Tea Every Day Make Your Teeth Yellow?
It’s not uncommon for excessive tea consumption to lead to yellow teeth. The tannins found in tea can cause discoloration and staining, especially if you don’t practice good oral hygiene by brushing regularly or using a whitening toothpaste.
Wrapping Up
At-home teeth whitening treatment can take a lot of effort and dedication, so it’s important to keep up with good oral hygiene habits and limit your consumption of tea if you want to maintain those pearly whites. For best results, wait at least seven days after a teeth whitening treatment before drinking any kind of hot or cold tea.
While tea can still be enjoyed in moderation after a teeth whitening treatment, it’s best to include some milk which can help reduce staining and use a low-sugar alternative when possible. Finally, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and use whitening toothpaste to improve your smile!
