Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks, so much so that it’s known around the world as black gold. It’s the go-to thing that many of us reach for first in the mornings to kick start our day. The aromas of freshly brewed coffee can even be enough to motivate us to emerge from beneath the warm and cozy blankets. But there is a downside to consuming so much of this morning pick-me-up – and that’s stained teeth. The pesky tannins found in coffee bind to our teeth, leaving behind a dull and yellowish hue. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your smile whiter and brighter, even without having to give up your regular cup of java. Here are some handy ways to prevent coffee-stained teeth.
Flush with Water
If you’re drinking coffee or another drink that’s a culprit for stained your teeth, be sure to keep a glass of water close by. Swishing your mouth out with water after drinking coffee can help to wash away the tannins that stick to your teeth and leave those ugly stains behind.
Add Milk
Are you a milk drinker? Dairy products contain casein, a protein that attaches to the tannins and prevents staining. So, if you enjoy milk products, try adding some to your coffee to help keep your pearly whites stain-free.
Use A Whitening Toothpaste
You can also keep your teeth brighter by using a whitening toothpaste every day. These contain mild abrasives and bleaching agents that remove stains quickly and effectively. Just remember to wait a little after you drink coffee to brush your teeth. Coffee can actually soften the enamel, so if you brush right away you could be doing more harm than good. Instead, rinse with water and wait 30 minutes before using any whitening toothpaste products. And if you’re sensitive to the whitening toothpastes on the market, try using a little baking soda with water to gently lift bacteria and stains from the surface of your teeth.
Floss Daily
Are your teeth turning yellow, especially between the gaps? You need to floss more to remove the plaque build-up that attracts stains. In fact, plaque is what ends up getting stained by coffee, not the teeth themselves. So, the more you floss, the fewer stains you will have.
Eat These Foods
Certain fruits and vegetables can also help to keep stains at bay. Strawberries and lemons, for example, contain natural fibers and tooth-scrubbing properties that help to break down bacteria and clean the teeth. Try adding more cheese, apples, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, and leafy greens to your diet to experience whiter, stronger teeth.
All these tips above will help reduce any surface-level stains that you have, but the best way to prevent staining is to get a deep cleaning by your dentist at least twice a year. Only your dentist can get into those hard to reach places and remove any of those stubborn stains you struggle to get rid of on your own. If you’re tired of having ugly coffee stains, contact us today at the Teal Umbrella for your professional teeth cleaning.
