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Author:
Kaelin Harris
If coffee is your ‘get up and go’ each morning, (hey, no judgment here, whatsoever!) then you’re already privy to the benefits your cup of Joe brings to the table.
You may or may not be aware, however, of the less desirable effects coffee can have on your teeth. Imagine what your coffee mug would look like if you left it overnight, without washing it out.
Now, imagine the same for your teeth.
So, what’s the deal? What is it about teeth that makes them susceptible to coffee stains? Well, it’s a couple of factors.
First, some people are just more prone to tooth stains than others. A matter of genetics. Second, the unique nature of tooth enamel means that each person has irregularities in their enamel that make teeth the perfect canvas for stains.
On top of that, habits such as grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw, are less than healthy and lead to cracks forming in the tooth enamel.
That, in turn, makes the tooth more porous, and eventually, the possibility of an easy coffee stain canvas on your teeth can become a reality.
If you’re already dealing with stains on your teeth, which by now, many of us are, just know that there are a few ways in which to deal with these tough guys. Here we list 10 ways in which to kick coffee stains to the curb!
This is important because rinsing your mouth right after a cup of coffee prevents the residue from building up. Brushing your teeth right after is an even better option. It might not be palatable for some people, but it’ll help keep your pearly whites, pearly white.
That’s right, drink through a straw. A little unconventional?
Perhaps, though it can keep the coffee from touching the surface of the teeth.
For your safety: do NOT attempt to drink a HOT beverage through a straw. This tip is best reserved for your cold brews!
Oddly – or maybe not – when you add milk to coffee, it not only lightens the brew up, but it also offers your teeth protection from stains.
Animal milk contains special proteins that bind to polyphenols in coffee and instead of coming to reside on the surface of your teeth, they are moved to your stomach where they are broken down.
A coffee that contains less caffeine can lead to less staining. This is because caffeine levels are directly related to the number of polyphenols in coffee. Less caffeine = fewer polyphenols = less likely to stain teeth.
Coffee has an acidic nature which means that in order to neutralize that acid and the effects, a counter-measure such as alkaline cleaning, could be a useful tool in the fight against stains.
Consulting your oral hygienist about which pH-balancing oral products to use will give you the information needed to get working on removing coffee stains from teeth!
While this might be a given, many of us are remiss with certain activities that promote overall great dental health. The fact is, damaged or weakened enamel is like a portal opening up for coffee stains to get in and set in. Brushing after each meal is a great idea, as is brushing after drinking coffee.
Furthermore, flossing helps prevent decay and the subsequent damage to the enamel that goes along with that. Ultimately, healthy habits will strengthen your teeth against breakdown and prevent stains from occurring in the first place.
Eating your fruits and vegetables is always a good idea. Even more so when you’re looking for ways to remove or reduce coffee stains on teeth.
Crunchier fruits and vegetables or those that tend to be more fibrous, act as natural brushes that scrub away stains from the surface of the teeth. In fact, dry fruits help to increase saliva production and this, in turn, helps break down stain-inducing pigments that find their way into the little crevices in the enamel or between teeth. And who said an apple a day keeps JUST the doctor away? Apparently, it keeps stains at bay too!
By mixing a little baking soda (like a teaspoon of it) and mixing with two teaspoons of water, it’ll form a paste with stain-fighting powers. Just use some of the baking soda paste on your toothbrush, and brush them as you normally would; focus on darker areas. Be gentle though! Brushing too vigorously with this mixture can damage enamel.
Yes. That’s right. If you don’t yet know, oil pulling is the simple act of using organic food-grade coconut oil, and swishing it around the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes.
Yes, you read that correctly; 15 to 20 minutes. It’s a gradual process, but the antibacterial nature of coconut oil can eliminate the bacteria that build up on the teeth and neutralize excess acid inside the mouth. It ultimately also helps negate or reduce the dulling effects of stains on the teeth.
Using toothpaste specifically designed to whiten teeth, can help to not only remove stains through abrasive materials used in the product but also to dissolve or breakdown the stains themselves through the use of other chemicals.
Some kinds of toothpaste work in such a way to give the optical illusion of whiter teeth and can take a month or two for full effects.
If coffee is a central feature in your life, you’re more than likely at some point, going to deal with the downside – stains.
Of course, finding the solution that’s best for you will take some research and most certainly, the advice of your dental hygienist is always the best route to go!
How to Enjoy Coffee without Staining Your Teeth
https://burlingamedentalarts.com/how-to-enjoy-coffee-without-staining-your-teeth/
Dental Tips for Coffee Drinkers
https://www.drmarciavalente.com/dental-tips-for-coffee-drinkers.html
5 Ways to Prevent Coffee Stains on Teeth
https://www.orthodonticslimited.com/teeth/prevent-coffee-stains/#:~:text=When%20you%20add%20milk%20to,to%20the%20polyphenols%20in%20coffee.
How to Remove Coffee Stains the Scientifically Proven Way
https://healthyhumanlife.com/blogs/news/how-to-remove-coffee-stains#:~:text=Coffee%20stains%20are%20usually%20acidic,acidic%20solution%2C%20just%20in%20case.
Does Whitening Toothpaste Actually Whiten Teeth?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/whitening-toothpaste/faq-20058411#:~:text=Some%20whitening%20toothpastes%20contain%20the,to%20make%20teeth%20appear%20whiter.
Greenville, SC Dentist: 4 Ways to Get Rid of Coffee Stains on Teeth
http://downtowndentalsc.com/greenville-sc-teeth-whitening/
How do I Get Rid of Coffee Stains from My Teeth?
https://www.dmsmiles.com/blog/how-do-i-get-rid-of-coffee-stains-from-my-teeth