First things first, put your worries away! We are not about to tell you that your coffee drinking days are over. We know that each shot of caffeine is crucial and we cherish our coffee, too! At the McKay Center for Cosmetic and General Dentistry, we want to educate you on what causes coffee stains and what you can do to fight them.
It’s no secret how Seattle residents feel about their coffee, and we’re not about to get in the way of that love. However, we will help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful with tips that won’t drastically affect your lifestyle. Dr. McKay and the rest of our team are your oral health allies!
So let’s start off with the basics. Why does coffee stain your teeth?
Coffee is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to stained teeth, and the discoloration can be so bad it mimics cigarette stains. So what’s the secret? What can you do to keep your teeth shiny, but still get your caffeine fix?
Coffee and its Active Ingredient: Caffeine
It is best for your oral and overall health to keep your coffee consumption to a safe limit. Excessive caffeine, regardless of the source, spells negative effects for your heart and stomach and can lead to serious health problems over time. That being said, we won’t tell you to do anything crazy, like quit drinking coffee.
Guard Your Teeth Against Coffee Stains with These Three Tips
1) The simplest and best way to guard your teeth is to rinse with water right after you are done with your coffee. Not only is water the best thing to nourish your body, but it will also wash away the caustic chemicals-and the sooner you drink it, the better.
2) Here’s another great tip that probably never crossed your mind – drink your coffee as quickly as possible. The less time your teeth have to soak in coffee’s tannins, the less damage your enamel will suffer.
3) Whiten your teeth. Do your teeth currently have stains due to coffee or other offenders? If they do, different types of whitening treatments may be a possibility. As always, it is best to consult Dr. McKay before whitening your teeth and our team will help you design a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Whitening options come in a variety of forms, whether you choose a professional treatment, or purchase an over-the-counter product (such as strips, gels, or special toothpaste).
It’s our mission to do everything in our power to help you keep in all around (not just oral) perfect health. We are here to help you choose the best option to make stains disappear and keep your teeth safe from harm.
Should you find yourself with any questions regarding coffee stains, whitening, or anything else, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your Seattle dentist today!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
