Some people need coffee to jump-start their day. It’s a must for them to have their daily dose of energy booster to get themselves ready for the tasks ahead. Did you know, however, that too much coffee could stain your teeth?
How coffee causes dental stains
Coffee has ingredients called tannins, which is a type of polyphenol that breaks down when dissolved in water. Tannins can also be found in tea and wine.
Once dissolved, tannins can stick to any surface, and yes, that includes your teeth. Since your teeth are not flat nor smooth, they will most likely hold particles of the dissolved tannins, which, in turn, can make your teeth look yellow. It only takes one cup of coffee each day to stain a person’s teeth.
Health experts say that adding cream would not do you any good. While it may seem that the coffee already has a lighter color, your drink still has the same components present in all kinds of coffee. So, adding any creamer will not protect your teeth from stains, unless you put a significantly less amount of coffee to make room for the cream.
How to get rid of coffee stains
Giving up coffee and other tooth-staining beverages is the best way to prevent staining. But for those who just can’t do it, you can also try to drink coffee only during your break instead of sipping it regularly throughout your day. After drinking coffee, rinse your mouth with water to get rid of the tannins trapped quickly.
Meanwhile, if you already have stains, you can go to your dentist in Longmont, CO to have your biannual cleaning. Your dentist can get rid of those unsightly coffee stains for you.
Another way to reduce the appearance of coffee stains is by using a few home remedies. You can brush your teeth using baking soda at least twice a month to help whiten your teeth. You can also use whitening strips and a whitening toothpaste regularly to get rid of the stains.
Other beverages that can stain teeth
It’s not just coffee that you should be wary about. To ensure that your white smile is always protected from discoloration, you need to know the other drinks and foods that can leave a yellowish hue on your teeth.
One of the most common culprits is red wine. Try to consume less of it, so your teeth will not get any discoloration. Also, while colas are great refreshments during summer, they can cause your teeth to get stained, too.
Meanwhile, the foods that you need to be wary about are hard candies and popsicles. Even sports drinks can also cause teeth discoloration.
Drinking a cup of coffee in the morning is a great way to get the energy that you need to survive the day. But try to take it in moderation. Like any other drink that isn’t water, it can cause bacterial growth in your mouth. Thus, leading to other complications such as enamel and tooth erosion.
