• 23 MAY 21
    • 0
    The impact coffee has on your oral health.

    The impact coffee has on your oral health.

    There’s no better way to kick-start your morning with a fresh cup of coffee. We might have heard of the effects coffee has on our teeth, but how much do we really know? Spoiler alert: your morning routine could be impacting your oral health. 

    If coffee can stain your clothes, it can stain your teeth. Coffee contains ingredients called tannins, which are a type of polyphenol that breaks down in water – also found in wine or tea. 

    Tannins cause color compounds that stick to your teeth. When these compounds stick, they can leave behind an unwanted yellow hue. It only takes a cup a day to cause stained teeth. So what’s the fix?

    How to prevent coffee stains 

    If you’re not ready to give up your morning coffee, you can prevent stains by cutting back and drinking less. You can switch to a single cup per day, and try other beverages during the day.

    Avoid using creamer and sugar, as these speed up the growth of discoloring bacteria. Be sure to drink a glass of water after finishing your coffee to rinse your mouth and teeth. If you prefer drinking iced coffee, use a straw to further reduce the risk of stains. 

    Remember, coffee is acidic. Brushing your teeth immediately after drinking or eating anything acidic weakens tooth enamel and causes staining. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth about 30 minutes after drinking coffee. 

    How to get rid of coffee stains 

    If you love coffee, don’t panic. Most of the time dentists can get rid of coffee stains, so make sure to book a clean up at your local Karalee Family Dental. You can also reduce the yellow hue by using a whitening toothpaste or strips. Make sure to brush twice a day for at least two minutes. 

    Other food and drinks that can cause stains:

    Coffee isn’t the only thing that can stain your teeth. Here’s a list of other foods and drinks that can leave behind a yellow-ish hue. 

    • Red wine
    • Cola 
    • Fruit juices 
    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Curry 
    • Soy sauce
    • Berries 
    • Beetroot

    Book an appointment with Karalee Family Dental

    You can still enjoy coffee while maintaining a healthy smile. Following the tips above and limiting yourself to one cup a day will make a great change. Don’t neglect regular brushing and dental checkups. Contact your local Tivoli dentist today to make your next appointment. 

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