For many of us a cup of coffee makes for a great start to our day. Every day millions of people drink coffee but does coffee stain your teeth? Yes, it does. Regular coffee consumption stains the surface of the teeth. Coffee contains ingredients which have properties that cause lasting stains on the teeth. It leaves a layer on the surface of your tooth which is the enamel. However, these coffee stains are preventable and treatable at the same time.
How Does Coffee Stain Teeth?
Coffee is consumed globally because of a multitude of reasons. Some enjoy the bitter taste, some alter it's taste to their liking and some for the It makes people energetic but at the same time, it is not considered to be a good drink for your overall oral health. Coffee not only stains your teeth but also causes several other oral health issues. Coffee, much like any other carbonated drink contains acidic substances which affect and wear down the enamel of your teeth. Enamel protects the teeth and when it comes in contact with acidic substances, it can weaken the enamel and also lead to tooth sensitivity and decay.
Factors That Influence Coffee Staining
There are two major factors that affect coffee staining. You can observe the coffee effect on teeth because of the following factors.
Tannins- Tannins are plant-based compounds that are found in tea, coffee, wine and other drinks. Tannins give a bitter taste and contribute to mouth drying qualities of coffee. It makes your mouth dry and lets bacteria grow in your mouth.
Acid - Like any other carbonated drink, coffee also contains acidic substances that affect your teeth. It wears down the protective layer of your teeth which is the enamel and gradually leads to tooth decay. Dry mouth is also observed when you drink coffee regularly.
Preventing Coffee Stains
There are two questions that revolve around. First, does coffee stain your teeth? Yes. Can you prevent it? Also, yes.
Coffee can stain your teeth but it can be easily preventable by regularly taking care of your oral health.
Brushing teeth- Brushing your teeth regularly is important because it saves you from many oral health issues. Dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth twice a day but be always mindful of overbrushing it.
Rinse your mouth- Immediately rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee. It will help your teeth’s surface from getting stained to some extent.
Electric toothbrushes- Electric toothbrushes are great for removing stains from your teeth. Check out the Electric Toothbrush Model 005 by Perfora.
Limit Coffee- Limit regular consumption of coffee. You can substitute coffee with green tea.
Use a straw- This is the finest way to drink coffee and not worry about coffee making your teeth yellow.
Teeth whitening- Use teeth-whitening toothpaste to fight coffee stains.
Home Remedies to Combat Coffee Stains
Coffee can stain your teeth but with these home remedies, you can combat coffee stains easily.
Regular Brushing- Regular brushing your teeth cleans the surface of your teeth and also removes the coffee stains.
Baking Soda- Use baking soda to whiten your teeth. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, use the paste to brush your teeth. This will help you remove the stains. Learn more about using baking soda for tooth whitening here.
Apple Cider Vinegar- It is another natural way to remove coffee stains. Mix apple cider vinegar with warm water and rinse it for a minute or two. Wash your mouth with plain water after that, it will help whiten your teeth.
Limit Coffee Intake- Limit regular coffee intake to avoid stains in your teeth.
Oil Pulling- Take coconut oil or sesame oil and rinse your mouth with the oil for 10 to 15 minutes. This age-old method helps remove toxins and stains from your teeth. Learn more about the best oils for oil pulling here.
Professional Treatments for Coffee Stains
Teeth Whitening Treatment- If you want immediate results or the stains are hard enough to come off easily, you can opt for a teeth whitening process under professional supervision. This treatment involves using bleaching gel on your teeth and using a light to activate it.
Teeth Whitening Products- Bleach strips and whitening toothpaste help in combating coffee stains from your teeth immediately. You can also use Perfora’s Purple Magic Teeth Whitening Serum over time to reduce tooth staining.
Takeaway Tips
Coffee contains tannins and acid which leave a stain on the surface of your teeth that is the enamel which protects your teeth. You can drink coffee but be mindful of the number of cups you are drinking. Always brush your teeth, drink enough water, avoid consuming carbonated beverages and food that leaves a staining effect on your teeth and visit your dentist regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you keep coffee from staining your teeth?
Answer- Limit your coffee consumption and after consuming wash your mouth with water. Brush regularly with whitening toothpaste. You can also try using straws while drinking coffee.
- Are coffee teeth stains permanent?
Answer- No, coffee stains are not permanent. It is preventable and treatable easily using home remedies such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, oil pulling and brushing with whitening toothpaste.
- Can coffee stains be removed from teeth?
Answer- Yes, coffee stains are easily removed from your teeth. Use a bleaching strip, whitening magic serum, oil pulling, apple cider vinegar and baking soda.
- Does drinking coffee make your teeth yellow?