Dietary Habits for Bright White Teeth
If you’re a coffee addict and you want to know how to keep your teeth looking their whitest and brightest while still getting your caffeine fix, you’re in the right place. Coffee can drastically change the hue of our teeth, but with a few smart dental habits, you can keep your teeth pearly white and healthy despite your daily cup of joe. Here are some essential methods to ensure you keep your teeth white while drinking coffee.
One of the best ways to ensure your teeth stay white and healthy is to limit the amount of coffee you drink every day. Try to restrict your consumption to one cup, or opt for decaf coffee to reduce the amount of staining. Swish your mouth with water after drinking coffee and don’t wait too long to brush your teeth.
When drinking coffee, your best bet is to drink it quickly. Coffee decreases the pH level of the mouth, which changes the environment in the mouth resulting in an increased risk of tooth decay and discoloration. Sipping on your cup of joe increases your exposure to the drink and thus, increases the risk of discoloration.
As tempting as it may be to add sugar to the delicious cup of coffee in front of you, it’s important to remember that sugar can speed up the discoloration process. Opt for sugar-free or artificial sweeteners if you’re looking for a sweeter finish. Furthermore, you can reduce your overall sugar intake which is an excellent way to benefit not only your teeth’s whiteness but your overall health.
It’s also critical to practice good oral hygiene. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and visit the dentist at least twice per year for a checkup. During these visits, your dentist can let you know if there are any signs of discoloration or staining present, and provide methods to eliminate them. Additionally, you can try using a teeth-whitening toothpaste or mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide to help reduce discoloration.
Good dental hygiene also means flossing at least once a day, preferably right before bedtime. Plaque can build up in the mouth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria which leads to tooth decay and discoloration. Removing food particles and plaque with flossing will not only help your teeth stay looking bright and white, it will also help keep your breath smelling fresh.
Eating foods high in antioxidants such as blueberries, carrots, and spinach helps fight damage done by free radicals which lead to stained teeth. Eating a dental-friendly diet with low sugar content is essential for keeping your teeth in top condition. Fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial for teeth health and help keep them looking their brightest.
Dental Services for Bright White Teeth
Using dental services can give you access to high-level treatments that your home dental hygiene routine wouldn’t be able to provide. Professional whitening treatments including laser whitening, bleaching, and chemical treatments can be incredibly effective at tackling the toughest of cases when it comes to coffee staining. A dentist can also provide an evaluation and ensure that all necessary steps are taken before any whitening treatments are conducted.
Professionally speaking, crowns, porcelain veneers, and bonding can all help improve the look of teeth affected by coffee staining. Depending on the severity of the discoloration, a dentist may recommend different treatments to get your teeth back to their sparkling white shine. Be sure to consult with a dentist before moving forward on any treatments as they’ll be able to determine the best course of action.
In addition to the treatments available, dentists can also provide customized solutions to match your teeth’s unique features. A custom fitted mouthguard helps protect teeth from grinding and clenching during sleep, as well as reducing the risk of teeth discoloration due to contact with caffeine or other substances.
Dental implants are a major step forward when it comes to tooth creation. Implants for replacing missing teeth can bring back the dazzling white spark to your smile and make a real difference to your overall look. Plus, if you take great care of your dental implants, the longevity of your beautiful white teeth are forever.
Alongside the treatments available, dentists can also offer lifestyle advice when it comes to keeping teeth in their whitest and healthiest state. Quitting smoking and reducing alcoholic drinks are just two of the ways your dentist may advise to avoid discoloration and other dental issues.
Home Remedies for Bright White Teeth
Aside from the treatments available at a dentist’s office, there are also home remedies that can help you keep your teeth white while drinking coffee. An easy home remedy is to mix a tablespoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Gently brush the paste onto your teeth for two minutes, then rinse with cool water and brush again with a fluoride-based toothpaste.
To really get the most out of your whitening routine, you can use activated charcoal, which has active properties capable of binding with the teeth’s enamel and draw out discoloration from coffee, tea, wine, and more. These charcoal powders are easy to use and are available to buy without a prescription.
Apple cider vinegar is also an excellent home remedy for restoring teeth to their original white shade. Just like baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, mix vinegar with water and brush your teeth gently with the mixture. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards, as the acetic acid contained in the vinegar can erode tooth enamel.
Chewing sugar-free gum also has additional benefits to helping keep your teeth white. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva, which protects against cavities by reducing bacterial and acid levels in the mouth. This also helps to prevent staining on the teeth, especially for those who consume coffee daily.
Preventative Action for Bright White Teeth
The best way to keep your teeth looking white while drinking coffee is to take preventative action. Avoiding coffee in the first place is an option, but if you simply can’t give it up, try to brush your teeth immediately after drinking. That way, you can remove any remaining residues on teeth and protect them against staining.
Using straws to drink coffee can also help. The straw helps reduce contact with the surface of the teeth, reducing the chances of staining. Plus, when the straw forces the liquid to go down the back of the throat, the remaining liquid that passes over the surface of the teeth is heavily diluted.
Another preventative measure is to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration helps keep your saliva levels in check, which helps reduce staining and discoloration of the teeth plus it helps remineralize your teeth to help protect against dental decay and cavities.
There are a variety of mouthwashes available on the market that are also aimed at removing staining. Be sure to read the labels and ingredient lists carefully to ensure that they’re free of alcohol and have a fluoride base. These products can prevent the growth of bacteria, reducing the chance of discoloration.
Replacement Solutions for Bright White Teeth
In more extreme cases, some people may opt for artificial replacements, such as bridges and dentures, to restore the look and feel of their teeth. This method is typically used if teeth are significantly damaged due to staining, as is often the case with heavy coffee drinkers. It’s a permanent solution that doesn’t need to be removed every day or night and it will help you maintain the same beautiful smile.
Using artificial replacements can come with challenges, including costs and the possibility of discomfort. It’s important to weigh up all the pros and cons before making any decisions. Dental implants are a much more cost-effective and convenient alternative to replace damaged teeth and restore your white smile without any of the discomfort.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution that’s also affordable, veneers are a popular choice. Veneers are thin shells that are permanently adhered to the front of your teeth, effectively covering and sealing any discoloration on them. Like implants, veneers have a variety of advantages when used as a replacement solution and will give you a beautiful white smile.
Conclusion
Although coffee can have a major impact on teeth, by following these steps, you can keep your teeth looking their brightest and whitest. Combining these methods with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene are the sure-fire way to keep your teeth in perfect condition. So, make sure to monitor your diet, visit the dentist regularly and keep your teeth looking white and healthy.
