When it comes to whitening your teeth, there is no shortage of products on shelves and online that are advertised as “teeth whitening.” But the truth is that most of these products don’t actually whiten the teeth – they merely mask the discoloration with a temporary coating that may wear off after a few hours. Coffee is also another major staining offender, as it can discolor teeth and also dry out the enamel. So when it comes to whitening your teeth and avoiding the risks associated with overdosing on caffeine, it’s important to select beverages that won’t compromise your dental health. Here are a few alternatives to consider.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an effective, natural way to whiten teeth without ingesting any substances. In fact, coconut oil pulling has been gaining in popularity as a method to naturally detoxify and promote healthy teeth and gums. Simply put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for fifteen minutes every morning, then rinse and brush your teeth as usual. This simple ritual helps to remove plaque and bacteria, which ultimately leads to whiter teeth.
Green Tea
Green tea is a great alternative to coffee because it is rich in antioxidants, which can help to prevent teeth discoloration. Plus, green tea is widely available, cheap, and contains less caffeine than coffee. Studies have shown that antioxidants have a whitening effect on teeth, so drinking green tea regularly can help improve the color of your teeth and keep them looking white and bright.
Teeth-Friendly Beverages
There are several other beverages that can help whiten teeth without the added jolt of caffeine:
- Lemon water
- Fresh juice
- Herbal teas
- Milk
- Sparkling water
- Coconut water
All of these beverages are teeth-friendly alternatives to coffee and can help to keep your teeth looking healthy and white.
Acidic Foods to Avoid
It’s also important to be mindful of what foods and beverages you consume on a daily basis. Drinks and foods that are high in acids, like soda, citrus fruits, and wine, can all be damaging to tooth enamel, which can lead to surface stains. So while you may be aware of the teeth-whitening effects of certain beverages, it’s important to be mindful of other foods and drinks that could be damaging to your teeth and lead to discoloration.
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater is a natural remedy to help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking bright. Adding about a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and swishing it around in your mouth for one minute a day can help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Not only does this help to remove surface stains, it can also help to reduce gum inflammation, pain and infection.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a time-honored practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (typically coconut, sesame or sunflower) around for about 15 minutes before rinsing and brushing the teeth. This helps to draw out toxins, bacteria and debris that can lead to staining. For best results, oil pull around three times a week and pair it with a natural whitening toothpaste to maximize the whitening potential.
Whitening Toothpaste
Using a whitening toothpaste or whitening strips can also be a great way to get whiter teeth without coffee. Look for brands that contain natural ingredients like baking soda, which is known for its teeth-whitening properties, as well as essential oils like peppermint and spearmint, which not only help to freshen breath but also provide a gentle abrasive action that helps to remove plaque and surface stains. It’s also important to brush regularly, as this helps to remove surface stains and keep teeth looking white and healthy.
Dental Hygiene
Taking care of your teeth on a regular basis is one of the most effective ways to keep them looking white and healthy without coffee. Brush twice a day with a whitening toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups. Regular dental visits will help to keep your teeth clean and healthy, as well as give your dentist a chance to monitor for any signs of discoloration. The better you take care of your teeth, the more likely you are to have a beautiful, white smile.
Bonus Tips
In addition to avoiding coffee and other beverages that can cause staining, there are some other tips that can help keep your teeth looking white:
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products : Cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause deep staining and increase the risk of oral health issues.
- Drink through a straw : Whenever possible, try to drink beverages through a straw to help prevent any staining substances from sticking to the teeth.
- Schedule regular cleanings : Regular visits to the dentist will help to remove any surface stains, leaving your teeth looking bright and white.
By following these tips, you can help keep your teeth looking white and healthy.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee can be detrimental to your oral health, as it can stain the teeth and dry out the enamel. Fortunately, there are several alternatives that can give you a boost of energy, help to whiten your teeth, and provide other health benefits. Coconut oil, green tea, teeth-friendly beverages, saltwater rinses, oil pulling, and whitening toothpastes are all useful alternatives to coffee that can help to keep your teeth looking healthy and white.
