There’s nothing like that first cup of coffee in the morning. The bold aroma of that fresh brew is enough to get our minds alert and ready for a new day. However, there is a dark side to this popular caffeinated beverage- drinking it too often can stain your teeth!
With coffee being a daily ritual for most of us, this truth causes an internal dilemma. On one hand, a cup of coffee is a cultural necessity and it does a good job at waking us up in the morning. On the other hand, it’s not attractive to have stained teeth. How can we reconcile this deep love for coffee and the desire to look our best?
The answer can be found in keeping up with our daily oral care regimen while also doing periodic intensive whitening treatments. By keeping the stains at bay through these methods, we can drink coffee with ease knowing that it won’t affect our winning smiles.
How does coffee stain my teeth?
Some of our favorite beverages like black tea, coffee, cocoa, and red wine can discolor teeth over time. Our teeth are individually coated with an outer protective layer called enamel, which can be affected by the intense pigments of pigmented beverages.
Though our teeth appear to be covered in a uniformly smooth enamel, there are actually ridges and tiny dips in it that can only be seen through a microscope. These small indentations can trap food and drink pigments, making our teeth more yellow over time.
How can I whiten my coffee-stained teeth?
If you have been an avid coffee drinker and your teeth are less than white, there are measures you can take to turn the tide and get your pearly whites back:
- Regular upkeep and care
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Get professional, in-office teeth whitening
- Use home-use teeth whitening kits
Each of these methods has their benefits and drawbacks. Let’s dive into each specific course of action and explain their pros and cons.
Be Diligent in Regular Care.
The best treatment is prevention! After every cup of coffee you consume, rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth can reduce the severity of staining. In fact, you can greatly minimize the staining effects of coffee if you simply practice daily upkeep.
For the best results, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth once a day. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and change it every 3 months. If you use electronic toothbrush then you must take care to change out the toothbrush head every 3 months as well.
If you need extra whitening power while brushing, you should consult your dentist to find a good whitening toothpaste. There are many options out there so finding a brand that is gentle on your enamel is key. By staying attentive on a daily basis to your oral health, your enamel will trap fewer stains.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly.
Regular dentist visits can help remove plaque that can cause stains and future dental problems. These appointments are also important to make sure your teeth are staying healthy. Your dentist can professionally remove plaque and tartar build-up that we cannot otherwise do at home.
Also, by faithfully going to your dentist, you can prevent costly dental procedures and have a healthy, white smile for life . Your dentist can also give you excellent medical advice on your regular home care to optimize your oral health.
Get In-office Professional whitening.
While you are at the dentist, you should ask about professional whitening treatments and if they are right for you.
This is a procedure that involves applying high concentrations of bleaching gel to take away enamel stains. The biggest advantage to this procedure is that the results are visible immediately. Another advantage is that this whole process is done by a dental professional so everything is safe and done properly.
Use At-home Whitening Kits.
At your local grocery store you will find many tooth whitening kits. These sets are intended to be used as occasional whitening treatments, typically in the span of a week before a special occasion. You can do the entire procedure at home.
This is an alternative to getting professional whitening treatments from your dentist. As opposed to professional whitening, these kits use low-dose bleaching agents. One advantage of these kits is that they cost less than professional whitening, but they also do not deliver immediate, dramatic results, and it takes time for results to be noticeable.
Keep your teeth looking great!
Coffee is part of many of our daily rituals and is one of life’s simple joys. Loving coffee, however, does not mean we have to sacrifice our good looks by accepting yellow teeth as a consequence. By following a combination of regular home care and periodic whitening treatments, you can keep coffee stains at bay and keep your smile beautiful.
If you have any questions about coffee stains, professional teeth whitening, or any other dental issue, contact us.