Stained teeth are a common side effect of regularly drinking coffee. Though several over-the-counter products may claim to fix the issue in no time, there are more reliable and effective ways for how to keep your teeth white without spending a fortune.
Before we jump into those, let’s start with a basic understanding of the process. Coffee contains tannin molecules which are known to stick to your teeth and cause yellowing. It’s important to note that this usually isn’t caused by poor dental hygiene, but simply by being a coffee-drinker.
Now, let’s explore some dentists’ advice on how to keep your teeth white if you’re a coffee-lover. Moderation should come as the first step – this means that you should try to limit your intake of coffee to one or two cups per day. It may seem impossible to break away from it, but it’s an important first step to keeping your teeth white.
Flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day is the standard for dental hygiene, but it’s even more important for people who love coffee. Not only does flossing help to remove plaque that may cause discoloration, but it also helps with removing tannin molecules from your teeth before they attach.
Adding a touch of baking soda to your toothpaste is another great way to keep your teeth white. Baking soda can help to remove surface stains while also breaking down tannin molecules. However, it’s critical to remember that it should never be used regularly – once a week should be enough.
Above all, your dentist may recommend drinking beverages with a straw so that the liquid does not directly touch your teeth. This is fairly easy for drinks like smoothies and soft drinks, but for beverages such as coffee, it might be harder to drink with a straw. In that case, you may want to use a combination of the tips mentioned above.
Finally, it’s important to point out that consuming coffee is not all bad news. In fact, it has several beneficial properties, when consumed in moderation. First of all, coffee can help to improve alertness and focus. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties which are good for the brain. So, there’s little reason to let stained teeth stop you from enjoying one or two cups a day.
Chewing Gum after Coffee
Chewing gum after drinking coffee can be a helpful way of whitening your teeth. The action of chewing creates more saliva which helps to rinse away tannin molecules from your teeth, before they can cause staining. Of course,you should use sugar-free gum and make sure not to overdo it,as chewing for too long may cause jaw pain or headaches.
It’s also important to note that regular chewing gum doesn’t contain any special whitening ingredients. It simply helps to restore the pH balance in your mouth and helps to reduce staining caused by coffee.
In addition to whitening your teeth, chewing sugar-free gum is also beneficial for improving your oral health. According to research, it improves a person’s ability to fight cavities and oral infections, while also helping to reduce bacteria levels in your mouth. This means that, while it may help to reduce coffee-induced staining, it’s also great for overall oral health.
Finally, it can also help to reduce acid levels caused by certain food and drinks. This is especially beneficial if you’ve just consumed coffee or sugary drinks, as it helps to neutralize the acid in your mouth, reducing the damage caused to your teeth.
Choose the Right Beans
When it comes to how to keep your teeth white, choosing the right coffee beans is essential. Though all coffee contains tannin molecules, some are higher in tannin than others. These will stain your teeth more quickly and easily, which is why it’s important to seek out those with the least amount of tannin.
Choosing organic coffee is always a good choice as it not only helps to reduce tannin levels, but also eliminates any additional chemicals that may be present. Additionally, it’s important to choose freshly roasted beans as they are less likely to be acidic, reducing their potential to stain your teeth.
It may seem daunting, but there are some easy ways to find the right beans. Firstly, you should always read the packaging carefully and look out for the tannin levels. If the package doesn’t list this information, then check the company’s website, as they may have more in-depth information about the beans.
Secondly, you can check online reviews and see whether people have discussed the tannin levels in a particular brand or type of bean. This can be a great way to get an indication as to whether a particular coffee is likely to be staining or not.
Above all, it’s important to remember that there are many different types of coffee with varying levels of tannin. This means that experimenting is necessary in order to find the right beans for you. Start with a few and see which one’s whiten your teeth the most and go from there.
Fruit Acids and Whitening Solutions
Fruit acids are an effective and natural way to whiten your teeth. Lemons and oranges, in particular, have long been used as natural whitening solutions. The citric acid in such fruits helps to break down tannin molecules that cause discoloration. Additionally, the natural astringent effect helps to reduce surface staining.
Of course, it’s important to use these fruits in moderation. Eating too many citrus fruits can cause stomach issues and damage to the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, it’s important to remember that these fruits can also stain your teeth if you’re not careful. As such, it’s important to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming them.
On the other hand, there are also various over-the-counter whitening solutions that you could use to help lighten your teeth. These typically contain a bleaching agent such as carbamide peroxide that helps to break down tannin molecules. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide is commonly used in whitening solutions as it helps to reduce staining caused by coffee.
It’s important to note, however, that these products should only be used once a month. This is because over-the-counter products are more powerful than natural solutions, and using them too often can damage the enamel on your teeth. It’s also important to follow the instructions carefully and make sure to speak to your dentist if you have any questions.
Choose the Right Kinds of Milk
Milk – especially full-fat – is often recommended to reduce the effects of coffee-induced staining. This is because the fatty acids and proteins found in milk can help to slow down the absorption of tannin molecules in the mouth. This means that they’ll be less likely to cause staining. However, it’s important to note that this only works when the right types of milk are used.
For example, full-fat cow’s milk and almond milk are better choices than skimmed, low fat or coconut milks. This is because they have a higher fat content which helps to reduce coffee staining. Additionally, oat and soya milks are known to be highly effective at reducing coffee-induced staining due to their high levels of proteins.
It’s also important to remember that drinking the right kind of milk isn’t enough on its own. You should still follow all the advice mentioned above – such as limiting your intake of coffee and brushing your teeth twice a day – in order to get the best results.
Make Toothpaste from Coconut Oil and Baking Soda
Coconut oil is a natural whitening agent which can help to reduce tea, coffee and other stains. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, an ingredient which can bind to tannin molecules and help to remove them from the teeth. In addition, coconut oil is known to be antibacterial, helping to reduce bacteria levels in the mouth.
Combining coconut oil with baking soda can help to magnify its whitening effects. Baking soda is highly effective at removing surface stains due to its abrasive nature. Additionally, it helps to break down tannin molecules which can help to reduce yellowing of the teeth.
It’s simple to make a toothpaste from coconut oil and baking soda – all you need to do is mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply this on your toothbrush and brush your teeth twice a day, as you would with regular toothpaste. It may take a few weeks for the effects to become noticeable, but you should find that your teeth become whiter over time.
The Bottom Line
Stained teeth are a common side effect of regularly drinking coffee, but this doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your daily cup of joe. There are many natural and relatively easy ways to prevent and reduce coffee-induced staining. Moderation should come as the first step, and then it’s a matter of brushing your teeth twice a day, using a straw, adding baking soda to the toothpaste, choosing the right beans and milks, and finally making a toothpaste out of coconut oil and baking soda.
