Are you a coffee connoisseur? We sure know a few. Sometimes there’s just nothing better than the initial smell then taste of freshly ground coffee to perk you up for your day. While coffee does encompass benefits, you should also be aware of the potential downsides from your favorite cup of joe.
Discover more on the oral health effects coffee can have on your teeth. Continue reading below for valuable information on what you can do to take preventive measures when drinking your beloved Starbucks Gingerbread Latte this year.
WHY DOES COFFEE STAIN MY TEETH?
Your enamel is covered with minute gaps. Particular food and drink residue stick in those gaps and allows the formation of extrinsic stain and bacteria buildup. Pigments from dark-colored drinks like coffee and tea become embedded in those ridges and can cause permanent discolored stains on your teeth. Without removing the stain, the outer layer of your tooth that is discolored begins to affect the other layers and staining gets harder to clean off.
Besides Coffee, What Other Foods and Drinks Can Stain Teeth?
Other foods and drinks that can stain your teeth include, but aren’t limited to:
- Red wine
- Blackberries, blueberries, cherries
- Acidic and citrus foods like grapefruit and oranges
- Tomato sauce
- Soda
- Curry
- Certain types of tea (black, herbal, white)
- Popsicles
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Candy and sweets
- Sports drinks
EFFECTS OF COFFEE STAINS ON TEETH
Drinking coffee does have underlying effects on your teeth after some time without your effort to remove staining. It’s easy for staining to not be noticeable at first. Consider the following effects your java can have on your teeth:
Bacteria formation. Coffee can cause bacteria to form in your mouth, which affects your teeth by making them weaker.
Bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis, is caused by the coffee sticking to your tongue. Avoid this by eating foods before you drink coffee. Additionally, when you brush your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!
Yellowing of teeth. Of course, the extrinsic staining of your teeth comes from not taking care of your teeth after drinking coffee. It can be a prolonged discoloration if you don’t meet with your dentist to get the staining removed.
GET RID OF STAINING WITH THESE TIPS
Get rid of your pesky stains by following these tips to reduce the likelihood of staining your teeth:
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist. Regular cleanings or teeth whitening procedures can take care of any stains for you.
- Brush your teeth with baking soda. For a DIY (Do It Yourself) option, consider the home remedy of brushing your teeth twice a month with baking soda. It can help with whitening your teeth without the added chemicals.
- Use whitening toothpaste. American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance whitening products like toothpaste can aid in the reduction of coffee stains.
- Get a more powerful toothbrush. For more cleaning power, consider using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual toothbrush to clean off more bacteria along with stains.
- Brush your teeth daily. Of course, brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Brush, floss and use mouthwash to make your dentist proud!
PREVENTING COFFEE STAINS
Stop it before stains become visible. Check out these prevention steps to keep your pearly whites while enjoying your brew:
- Reduce your caffeine intake. No more than two cups a day!
- Floss daily and use mouthwash.
- Consider drinking more water throughout the day for an energy boost.
- Avoid additional creamer and sugar.
- Avoid teeth whitening strips.
- Drink in one sitting, not all day long.
- Don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking coffee.
- Use a straw with iced coffee (or your hot coffee, if you prefer).
- Schedule an appointment with your dentist regularly.
- LET THE LANDING DENTAL SPA TAKE CARE OF YOUR COFFEE STAINS
The Landing Dental Spa provides full-service cosmetic and family dentistry to the Morgantown area. We have a variety of services, including teeth whitening and of course, dental exams and cleanings.
Our teeth whitening procedure lifts discoloration from your teeth to help them shine bright and white again. We offer two types of methods:
- Vital – Most common type; in-office procedure where your dentist can use strong whitening gel and a specialized light to allow bleaching to occur quicker.
- Non-vital – Procedure is done on a dead tooth that has had a root canal. It is also used to treat intrinsic staining on teeth.
Do you have staining on your teeth? You can also come in for a dental exam and cleaning with us. Dental exams are vital to your preventive dental care and overall oral health.
At The Landing Dental Spa, it is our goal to help you feel comfortable during your visit. We offer complimentary amenities from heated massage chairs, soothing spa music to warm blankets and more! At your dental exam, you can expect your dentist to perform the following:
- Examine your teeth for cavities and gum disease
- Teeth cleanings
- X-rays
- Examine your face, neck and mouth for any potential oral health risks
- Discussion on how to brush and floss properly
- Cosmetic improvements to your teeth
- And, of course, remove yellowing and stains from drinking coffee!
Schedule your appointment with one of our doctors today, and give us a call: 304-594-2200.
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