Having a bright white smile is on the wish list of many adults and teenagers. We have been conditioned to believe that pearly whites are attractive and desirable, so those that have stained or yellow teeth often feel self conscious. Teeth can be stained by food, drinks and smoking, and unfortunately, one of the biggest culprits – coffee – is also one of the things that most of us consume every day.
This begs the question – is it possible to drink coffee and still keep your teeth white? Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to ensure that you limit the staining effect of coffee and keep your teeth looking their best.
One of the most important things is to practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing and flossing twice a day. Flossing helps get rid of trapped food particles that can give your teeth an unhealthy appearance. Use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush with a soft and rounded bristles so you can reduce the likelihood of damage or injury to your teeth. It’s also recommended that you use a fluoridated toothpaste, as it can help strengthen your enamel and make it more resistant to staining.
Before drinking coffee, be sure to use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth. The unnatural color pigments of coffee can get stuck between your teeth and increase the staining. Also, avoid taking coffee with milk, because the dairy product acts as a magnet for the pigments, helping them stick more quickly and tight to your enamel.
Once you have finished drinking your coffee, it is essential that you rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to remove traces of coffee that may be still lurking in your mouth. Additionally, you can also rinse your mouth with water and use sugar-free chewing gum to help dislodge any particles of coffee that may have adhered to your teeth. Doing this for roughly five minutes after your coffee will help to reduce the yellowing impact of the coffee.
In addition to the above steps, it is recommended that you visits your dentist for a professional cleaning two times a year. During that appointment, the dentist can make sure that any heavily stained areas can be manually removed and give you advice on how to maintain a good level of oral health. However, if your teeth are severely discoloured, other measures may have to be taken, such as professional teeth whitening. This can be done in-clinic or at-home, depending on your preference.
Stay Hydrated
Increasing your water intake can also help maintain whiter teeth, because it helps rinse away the particles of staining foods before they can attach themselves to your enamel. Try to make sure that you are drinking eight glasses of water every day. This can also help to keep your breath fresher, since there are lesser bacteria in your mouth, preventing the build of plaque.
Go Natural
It may be tempting to buy those over the counter teeth whitening kits, but there are some natural ways to help bring a shine to your teeth as well. For example, you can use baking soda – it is an alkaline substance and so helps to neutralize acid that is caused by the coffee and other food that we eat.Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with few drops of water and use it as a paste to brush your teeth as an alternative to toothpaste.
Regular Check-Ups
Finally, it is advisable to visit your dentist once or twice a year for a general check-up and cleaning. Your dentist can examine your teeth for any signs of staining, cavities or plaque build-up, and can also recommend and provide professional whitening treatments if needed.
Treat Yourself
Just because you are concerned about the staining potential of coffee, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it. Treat yourself to the occasional cappuccino or latte, just make sure that you follow the above steps to keep your teeth bright and white.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Having a healthy lifestyle can go along way to maintain a whiter smile too. Avoid smoking and limit the foods that are rich in colour such as tomato, soy sauce and other dark-coloured liquids which have been known to cause teeth discolouration. Additionally, a healthy diet will help ensure you maintain a good level of oral health.
Be Mindful
It’s also important to be mindful of the amount of coffee that you drink. Too much coffee can cause sensitivity in your teeth, reduce your enamel and cause you to further stain your teeth. So, be aware of how much you are consuming and take all the necessary steps to keep your teeth in tip-top shape.
Sugar-Free Alternatives
Cutting down on how much sugar you consume is another great way to keep your teeth white. If you’re looking for a coffee break, opt for natural sugar-free alternatives, such as an herbal tea. This will help reduce the staining potential of coffee while still giving you a refreshing drink.
