Can’t start the day without your coffee? You are definitely not alone. In fact, there are around 166.63 million 60 kilogram bags of coffee sold in 2020 and 2021. This highly popular beverage offers several advantages, including providing us with an energy boost for busy days.
If you like coffee, you’ll be delighted to learn that it helps you have a healthier heart, stomach, and liver due to its rich antioxidant content. However, drinking coffee can be damaging to our teeth.
Since black coffee is mildly acidic, too much of it can weaken your enamel and create an environment in your mouth that promotes bacterial growth. This can result in tooth decay and gum disease.
Here are some tips you can follow to avoid teeth staining due to coffee:
Opt for Black Coffee Without the Extras
Coffee has tannins—micronutrients from plant-based foods—that leave a yellowish stain when they stick to our teeth. Having stained teeth may affect your confidence when you smile or talk to people.
If you can, switch to pure black coffee only. Doing so prevents the additives and sweeteners from wearing down your enamel further. As the enamel layer chips down, the dentin layer or coating will be exposed, causing further staining.
Drink Plenty of Water After Your Coffee
If you can’t help but drink coffee with all the extras, drink water right away to wash off stain-inducing components in your mouth. If you are out and about, unable to brush your teeth, try gargling with water after your coffee break as well. Doing so will lessen the harmful effects of your beloved coffee on your teeth.
Limit How Much Coffee You Drink
The recommended coffee intake is only two cups daily. If you’re currently drinking more than two cups a day, you will most likely end up with stained teeth and foul coffee breath. This can dampen your confidence whenever you have to talk to clients, your bosses, and your coworkers. For this reason, try to limit your coffee intake to once daily.
Consume Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Munching on apples, celery, and carrots is a natural way to quickly clean your teeth and avoid stained teeth. They trigger saliva production in your mouth, which aids in the removal of coffee tannins.
Eat Some Pre-Coffee Snacks
Eating a mouthful or two of anything with your coffee will help to keep your teeth from becoming stained by the tannins. This way, the food, and saliva you generate act as a barrier between the coffee and your teeth.
Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
Make use of a superior toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes work better than ordinary brushes at eliminating residual plaque from your teeth. Keep in mind that you should wait a while before brushing your teeth. This is because coffee has an acidic quality that weakens dental enamel, so you should wait at least fifteen minutes after drinking coffee before brushing.
Practice Oral Health Care Diligently
Aside from regularly brushing your teeth, you also need to floss often as well. Doing so can effectively remove tartar and plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
It’s also best to go for professional teeth cleaning at least every six months. In case of deep stains that can’t be removed with over-the-counter teeth-whitening products, go for a professional teeth-whitening treatment to remove teeth discoloration and restore your confident smile.
Conclusion
Coffee consumption has become a very sociable affair, particularly among younger individuals. The next time you get that venti cup of your favorite frappuccino or vanilla latte, think about your teeth and what it can do to your oral health.
If possible, switch to a healthy beverage, such as tea or fresh fruit juice. Eliminating caffeine through coffee consumption is the most effective approach to avoid dark stains and the risk of teeth decay, resulting in a more confident, brighter smile!
At Shallowford Family Dental, we go above and beyond to make you smile. Backed by more than 80 years of experience, we continue our commitment to care in our modern, state-of-the-art facility and a team of experienced dentists in Chattanooga. Our multi-doctor team fosters a safe atmosphere of knowledge and competence for all patients. We look forward to meeting your complete family soon. Make an appointment today.