9 Ways to Avoid Teeth Stains Caused by Coffee
Love coffee but afraid it will stain your teeth? Here are a few pro tips to consider.
Many love their daily caffeine fix every morning (at least), but that can also come at a cost for our dental health. The simple truth is that coffee, unfortunately, can stain your teeth. It may not evidently be apparent the first few times, but if you constantly drink it everyday, it can gradually stain your pearly whites.
What causes coffee stains on your teeth?
So, let’s break it down. Coffee contains a special ingredient called tannin. Tannin is a polyphenols that breaks down when brought into contact with water. This compound then cause color compounds in the coffee to stick to your teeth, thus producing that light yellowish hue on your teeth.
Unfortunately, tannin is not present only in coffee but also in other beverages such as your favorite cup of tea and wine.
How to avoid coffee from staining your teeth
Yes, there are ways to avoid teeth discoloration and also not sacrificing your daily cup of joe.
There are both cost-effective ways, but also costly ways you can use to prevent these coffee stains on your teeth.
Here are just a few tips to help you get started.
1. Regular Dentist Appointments
Many people fear going to the dentist, but this is the kind of dentist visit you might want to take if you want clean teeth. Dentists are capable of doing biannual - or twice a year - teeth cleaning that can help preserve the cleanliness of your teeth and wash away those coffee stains.
However, this may not be the most cost effective for you and your wallet.
2. Baking Soda
Legend says that if you brush your teeth regularly with baking soda mixed with a little bit of water twice a month, it can really help with preventing teeth stains.
Baking soda contains natural components similar to a whitening toothpaste that might help whiten your teeth and preserve that white color you love. Make sure to read more before trying yourself, to make sure you are doing it safely.
3. Drinking Through a Straw
This is definitely one of the more practical, easy ways to help prevent coffee stains on your teeth. Drinking your coffee through a straw and not having it really touch your teeth is the most ideal and easy way to still consume your delicious cup of joe. Unfortunately, this may be a difficult task when it comes to hot coffee.
4. Teeth whitening strips
If going to the dentist is daunting and too pricey for you, purchasing some teeth whitening strips to use in the comfort of your own home works just as well!
However, do not resort to this remedy too often because teeth whitening strips are very strong and can also be damaging to your teeth. Just like coffee, take it a little bit at a time.
5. Avoid creamer and sugar
If you’re the type of person who adds a lot of creamer and sugar in your coffee, it might soon be a good time to stop. Creamer and sugar actually hasten the process of discoloring bacteria, which may grow and stick on your teeth contributing to the yellowish hue you despise.
6. Brush your teeth immediately after drinking coffee
If it is possible, it is recommended to brush your teeth after you drink coffee because the acidity in the coffee can be damaging to your teeth. The longer the coffee sits in your mouth without being washed out, the more likely it is that it will stain your teeth and give you bad breath. Yikes!
7. Drink less coffee
This is probably the most disliked tip out of this whole list because if you’re a real coffee lover, you know you have to drink it at least twice a day.
However, if you want to prevent those yucky teeth stains, drinking less coffee is the most realistic option. You can drink one coffee in the morning and then opt for another caffeinated drink that doesn’t have as much tannins or color to it.
8. Drink water immediately after drinking coffee
As mentioned before, if brushing your teeth after drinking coffee just isn’t possible for you, try drinking water and cleansing your mouth after a few sips. Water can really cleanse your mouth and help get rid of those tannins fighting to stick onto your teeth better.
9. Eat foods that help remedy the stains
Yes, there are some natural, healthy foods out there that can help break down the bacteria from coffee that loves to cling onto your teeth. These foods include raw fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, lemons, oranges, and many more that contain fibers, which help break down those bacteria.
Caffeinated teas that don't stain your teeth as much
These are a few drinks that also contain that caffeine boost, but don’t leave your dental hygiene or health at risk.
1. White tea
White tea comes from the same plant and leaf as the green tee, but less processed than green tea. It doesn’t have a strong hue like green tea and your teeth are more tolerant of it. More of the natural healthy ingredients remain in the tea leaf and it can even help prevent cavities.
2. Yerba mate
Yerba Mate is an incredibly popular drink among college students because it is tasty and provides that kick of caffeine people all love and need. It is a tea drink that is packed with natural antioxidants and caffeine, which doesn’t do much damage to your teeth.
3. Rooibos herbal tea
This tea alternative is so popular and commonly known because it almost has a coffee-like flavor. It has a nutty flavor and doesn’t have the teeth staining ingredients like coffee does.
Generally speaking, the more you are prone to drinking darker colored beverages, the more chances your teeth can get stained. Luckily, there are proven ways to help prevent teeth discoloration, but also still enjoy your daily dose of caffeine!
