Coffee Lovers Listen Up: How to Prevent Stains on Your Teeth

Instead of starting your day with a cup of black coffee, consider green tea. It contains fewer staining agents, and it could offer health benefits.

In 2010, researchers examined studies of green tea and determined that the ingredients in green tea could help to reverse some problems caused by a high-fat diet and obesity. Green tea could also aid in the prevention of cancer and heart disease.

Some people use straws to sip drinks that might stain their teeth. While a straw can keep these fluids from touching the front of your teeth while you drink, the fluid can slide across them when you close your lips to swallow.

A straw could help to reduce staining risks from some drinks, but know that this method can’t offer complete protection.

Dairy products contain the protein casein, which attaches to tannins in coffee and prevents them from getting onto your enamel. 

Practice drinking coffee in one sitting instead of taking little sips throughout the day. This way, you can prevent bacteria and tannin buildup, and it will be easier to rinse out your mouth after each cup of coffee.

Make a habit of drinking some water after your coffee. This allows you to rinse out any residual tannins before they have a chance to settle on your enamel.

Although brushing your teeth after meals is recommended to prevent plaque buildup, it is not always advisable to do so immediately after you eat or drink something acidic. Brushing your teeth after an acidic meal or beverage will wear down your enamel and promote tooth discoloration.

There are better ways to clean your teeth after drinking coffee, so if you can avoid brushing immediately after, it’s far more beneficial.

However, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is the key to preventing plaque and bacteria buildup in your mouth.

Seeing a dentist once every six months can help you stay on top of any coffee stains on your teeth, whether you’re an avid java lover or a casual drinker. It is not an excuse to drink more coffee, but it is a surefire way to keep your oral hygiene in check regardless of your lifestyle.

A recent study found that 80% of Americans between 18 and 49 wish their teeth were whiter.

Some forms of toothpaste contain mild abrasives like baking soda. They can only remove stains on the surface of the teeth, explains the American Dental Association. However, a product like this could help to reverse some of the stains left behind by your cup of coffee.

Safe toothpastes contain a seal of approval from the American Dental Association and are safe for you to use. Don’t try to make your own toothpastes at home with baking soda or charcoal, as they may not be safe to apply to your teeth.

Switch to an electric toothbrush to get more cleaning power for daily stain removal. In a study published in 2022, researchers examined the stain removal efficacy of electric toothbrushes. They found that these toothbrushes were very effective in removing stains, and they didn’t cause significant damage to the tooth’s enamel.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice per day with a soft-bristled brush. This practice is doubly important if you’re an avid coffee drinker as it prevents the accumulation of tannins and discoloring bacteria. Brushing your teeth regularly also prevents halitosis (bad breath), and a regular side effect of drinking coffee is “coffee breath.”

Several companies sell products that can remove stains on the surface of your teeth. The American Dental Association explains that these kits often have a smaller concentration of bleaching agents than those used in dental offices, and they’re safe if they have the ADA seal of approval. If you want to use these products, ask your dentist first and ensure you’re using a product that’s right for your smile.

The American Dental Association explains that there are several DIY approaches that people claim can whiten teeth. They include using acid-containing fruits, drinking vinegar, or swishing oil inside your mouth. 

Some of these approaches are unproven, and others are associated with damage to your teeth. Before you use anything in your mouth to whiten your teeth, talk to your dentist about your plans and ensure it’s safe.

Your dentist can create a tray for bleaching and provide a safe product you can use at home. Typically, this involves using a small amount of a product inside your trays and wearing them for a time that’s outlined by your dentist. These products are typically stronger than over-the-counter versions, and your dentist can ensure you’re using them safely.

Your dentist may also provide whitening in one or two appointments inside the office. Your dentist applies the treatment and supervises the process, so it’s a safe and effective method of removing coffee stains. Some dentists use a paint-on product, while others use lasers.

If your teeth are stained and chipped, your dentist may suggest a more significant option. Dental veneers are thin shells that sit on the outside of your teeth and cover up what’s below them. They can be stained with substances like coffee, so you must skip your regular cup. But they can solve an existing staining problem immediately.

If your teeth are stained and damaged through cracks or cavities, your dentist may suggest dental crowns. These products sit like caps over your teeth, providing exceptional care for damaged teeth. They can also be stained with coffee, so paying attention to what you eat and drink is important.