Protect your teeth from permanent discoloration without giving up your addiction to caffeine!
Why does coffee stain teeth?
The enamel, the hard outer lining that protects the other layers of the teeth, is covered with microscopic voids. When food and drink particles get stuck in those spaces, an extrinsic stain forms, meaning the outer layer of the tooth is discolored, but the longer the particles remain in the gaps, they begin to affect other layers of the tooth. The more you drink coffee and do nothing to remove it, the stain becomes deeper and deeper. This is called an intrinsic stain, and it is much more difficult to clean.
1. Brushing: your first attack plan
The main cause of a dental stain is plaque buildup, so brushing your teeth with bleaching toothpaste and consulting your dentist for regular cleaning are the best ways to prevent unsightly coffee stains.
2. Don’t forget to floss
Let’s be honest: It’s hard to floss as regularly as dentists want you to, but setting aside a few minutes to floss every day can have a big impact on your oral health. The thread gets rid of the plate in general, and the plate attracts stains.
3. Use a straw
Less liquid touches your teeth when you drink it through a straw, and that means coffee has less chance of staining your teeth. Using a straw is more natural for iced coffee drinkers, but it also works for hot coffee.
4. Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Make your own whitening paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The paste should be quite liquid. If it’s too gritty, that means there is too much baking soda, and you could rub the enamel. However, in general, baking powder is less abrasive than baking powder toothpaste that contains additives.
5. Add milk
A splash of milk can make a real difference to your teeth. A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that casein, the primary protein in milk, can bind to tannins in tea (bitter-tasting particles that leave residue on teeth) and prevent staining. Coffee also has small amounts of tannins, so coffee drinkers can reap these dairy benefits, too.
6. Drink water between cups of coffee
A drink of water can quickly remove staining fluids before they begin to settle on your teeth. Plus, drinking enough water is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day.
7. Drink it fast
Drink your entire cup in five minutes and your teeth will be less stained.
8. Chew sugarless gum
Conquer the coffee breath and clean your teeth at the same time. Chewing gum increases the amount of saliva in your mouth, and saliva removes acids and plaque from your teeth. According to the American Dental Association, chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating can help prevent tooth decay.
