A hot cup of coffee is what the body yearns for in the mornings to get us out of our slumber, but when it comes to our teeth, coffee may be detrimental to our oral health. Tannins are the coloured compounds present in coffee that stick to the teeth leaving a yellow hue behind. They are also found in wine, tea, and certain colas. Keep reading to find out what the dentist in Sunshine has to say about ways to prevent coffee from staining your teeth.
How Coffee Harms Your Teeth?
A cup of coffee contains nine different types of acids, which contribute to the unique taste of coffee that attracts the cinephile. However, the acid in the coffee slowly eats away the enamel. Enamel is the tough outer layer of the teeth that can withstand much wear; nevertheless, it is not indestructible. Once damaged, it cannot grow back. Coffee can also cause bad breath or halitosis as it sticks to the tongue.
How to Get Rid of Coffee Stains?
With little care, café connoisseurs can enjoy their brew and protect their teeth as well. A regular visit to the dentist and biannual teeth cleaning can help you get rid of all kinds of coffee stains. Additionally, you could also couple your dentist visits with home remedies like cleaning your teeth with baking soda twice a month. Furthermore, whitening strips and whitening toothpaste could brighten your teeth. However, it is vital to ensure the quality of the product.
Ensure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes; an electronic brush is more effective in cleaning your teeth. Swishing your teeth with water will reduce the stains and prevent the colours from settling on your teeth. You could also ask your dentist to suggest a tooth whitening tray to be used at home to clean your teeth.
To avoid bad breath, make sure you eat something along with tea or coffee and scrape your tongue with a tongue cleaner. If possible, you can use a straw to minimise the contact of coffee with your teeth. Avoiding sugar in coffee could also reduce the damage caused by coffee on the teeth.
Other Beverages That Can Stain Your Teeth?
Many other drinks like red wine, berries, tomato, colas, black tea, popsicles, hard candy, and sports drinks are responsible for tooth-staining. In contrast, certain foods like strawberries, lemon, raw fruits, and vegetables contain natural fibers that clean teeth and break down bacteria.
Conclusion
Tooth enamel is the visible part of the teeth; it covers the crown. It is a complex and highly mineralized substance it acts as a barrier to protect the tooth. However, it can become susceptible to degradation, especially by acids from food and drinks. For example, coffee, tea, tobacco, and colas can stain the teeth. However, with little care, the stain on the teeth can be prevented and even removed. Regular in-office teeth whitening at the dentist’s office will go a long way in keeping your teeth white and bright.
