Studies show that half of all American adults drink at least one cup of coffee per day, so we know that many of our patients will be celebrating National Coffee Day with a cup of joe (or three!) However, we also know that coffee habits can result in tooth stains. Fortunately, the team at Honest Teeth is here with helpful recommendations and professional whitening treatments to keep your smile looking its best!
Here are a few things to keep in mind on National Coffee Day when it comes to your favorite caffeinated beverage and your teeth:
Why Does Coffee Stain My Teeth?
Your teeth are very strong and hard, but they also porous, which means that certain compounds and substances can get trapped in them. Essentially, this is how coffee stains teeth. The dark “tannins” responsible for the flavor and color of coffee can get stuck onto your enamel and over time, this builds up into a stain.
Coffee can also discolor plaque. Plaque is a clear, sticky substance made of oral bacteria, and while it’s normally colorless, it can be stained by dark beverages. Thankfully, plaque can be removed with proper brushing and flossing, so it doesn’t cause long-term stains.
How Can I Keep My Teeth White While Drinking Coffee?
Use a straw! When you drink coffee through a straw, you’ll be able to avoid direct contact with your teeth. This, in turn, prevents tannins from sitting on your enamel and causing stains. If you want to prevent coffee stains without eliminating your daily cup of coffee from your routine, this is the best option.
You can also rinse your teeth with water or mouthwash after drinking coffee, then brush after 15-30 minutes. It’s not a good idea to brush right after drinking coffee, because it’s acidic. Acid weakens your enamel, so vigorous brushing after drinking coffee could damage your teeth.
Will Teeth Whitening Remove Coffee Stains?
Yes! Teeth whitening works on almost any external tooth stain, including stains from drinking coffee, tea, wine, and soda. If your teeth are stained due to your coffee habit, teeth whitening is a great solution.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
This mostly depends on how well you care for your teeth after whitening. Some patients will keep their bright, white smile for up to 3 years, but a range of between 1-2 years is more typical. Taking steps like brushing and flossing properly, seeing Dr. Meinerz or Dr. Krueger for six-month cleanings, and using a peroxide-based whitening toothpaste can help you keep your teeth bright.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Any Side Effects?
The only common side effect of professional teeth whitening is minor tooth sensitivity, which may last for a few days after your treatment. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth like Sensodyne can help reduce any discomfort caused by whitening.
Celebrate National Coffee Day With Teeth Whitening – Call Now!
If you love coffee but your daily cup has resulted in stained teeth, don’t worry. With an in-office or take-home whitening treatment from Dr. Max Meinerz or Dr. Kyle Krueger, you can get the treatment you need to restore your smile. Contact us now at (262) 784-7770, or stop by our office at 15255 Watertown Plank Road, Suite 100, Elm Grove, WI 53122 for more information.