How Can I Avoid Coffee Stains on My Teeth?
If you’re like most Austrailians in that you drink coffee every day, you’ve likely noticed one of its major drawbacks: its tendency to leave stains on the teeth. These marks are typically the result of tannins, or the potent acidic compounds found in coffee. While tannins are responsible for that robust flavour we so enjoy, they can easily bind to the enamel on our teeth and mar an otherwise white smile. Unfortunately, the same is true for many of our favourite drinks and foods, such as black tea, red wine, and various fruits and vegetables.
Does that mean you have to give up coffee altogether to have a white smile? Of course not; it simply means you may need to form some new hygienic habits. Here are some of the ways you can protect your teeth from coffee stains (while still enjoying the occasional “flat white” espresso drink):
- Brush and rinse your mouth after drinking. As soon as you’re done with coffee for the day, thoroughly brush and rinse your mouth. This can prevent lingering tannins from adhering to your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water. If coffee is your first beverage of choice, make water the next in line! The dental health benefits of drinking water are virtually limitless, and one of the major advantages is that it can cleanse the mouth of harmful bacteria.
- Use a straw. Drinking coffee, tea, or other dark-coloured liquids through a straw limits their contact with your teeth, making it more difficult for the acid to cling to your enamel.
- Attend regular cleanings. Dental cleanings are integral to your oral health. In general, we recommend patients come in for cleanings and exams every six months. During these visits, our dentists can thoroughly inspect your mouth and, if you so desire, help you choose a treatment to combat discolouration.
- Consider teeth whitening. Minimally-invasive, professional-grade teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in recent years. At The Paddington Dental Surgery, our teeth whitening options range from in-office procedures, including the highly sought-after Zoom!® WhiteSpeed and KöR® Deep Bleaching™ systems, to at-home solutions like Zoom!® DayWhite. The bleaching formulas used in these treatments are praised for their astounding quality and ability to produce long-lasting results.
Our dentists at The Paddington Dental Surgery are committed to improving your oral health, enhancing the natural beauty of your smile, and exceeding your every expectation from the moment you enter our office. To schedule an appointment with our team, please feel free to contact us today!
