Most coffee lovers drink a cup of coffee to kick start their day. However, if you drink coffee regularly and heavily, your teeth may get stained over time. Coffee stains on teeth can be in the form of darkened teeth, brown stains, or black stains.
Regardless, the stains make the teeth lose their attractive natural whiteness. The stains mostly affect the teeth near the area where you sip your coffee. That’s why you’ll notice that the front teeth get more stained than the rest of the teeth.
But how does coffee stain teeth? Well, teeth are porous in nature. They contain numerous tiny holes known as tubules that are home to nerve tissues.
These tubules collect stain particles and bacteria from the drinks and foods you consume. Thus, the darker the foods and drinks, the more the stain. Also, the more the stain, the darker the teeth.
Since liquids flow easily, they easily stain the teeth to a higher extent than food. Also, most coffee lovers tend to drink coffee daily. In fact, some people drink several cups of coffee daily.
Since coffee is a dark and light liquid, it may stain your teeth in the long run. Let’s discuss how to remove coffee stains from teeth.
How to Get Coffee Stains Off Your Teeth
It’s possible to remove coffee stains from your teeth depending on their extent. Before getting to that, it’s important to know the main categories of stains on teeth.
Generally, coffee stains on teeth are categorized under two groups including intrinsic stains and extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains are stains that affect the surface of the tooth.
On the contrary, intrinsic stains include stains that are soaked in the tooth enamel and tubules. Thus, intrinsic stains sit on the inside of the teeth.
Intrinsic stains mostly form when the teeth are under their development stage due to excessive minerals in food or anatomical changes. Overall, extrinsic stains are easier to remove than intrinsic stains.
Here’re some of the best ways of removing coffee stains from your teeth.
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Whitening toothpaste
There’re several types of toothpaste available on the market today. The best toothpaste for coffee stains is any top-quality whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste is formulated to prevent the buildup of new stains.
You should use it regularly for the best results, especially if you’re a regular coffee drinker. It ensures that the teeth don’t get stained any further. However, it can make the teeth sensitive.
Thus, follow the directions on the packaging for its use or as directed by your dentist. You can alternate the toothpaste with any toothpaste for sensitive teeth. That way, you’ll minimize any irritation.
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Professional care
One of the easiest and quickest ways of removing coffee stains from the teeth is by having regular teeth cleaning by a professional dental hygienist.
Your hygienist or dentist can remove coffee stains by using a polishing tool to buff away the stains. They may also use air polishers. Air polishers are used to remove more tedious stains.
Air polishers work by power washing the teeth with tiny particles comprising of a polishing powder. Regardless of the polisher used, it’ll help to whiten the teeth and get rid of any tartar and plaque that may be absorbing coffee stains.
You can have your teeth cleaned professionally at least biannually. Besides removing any buildup and stains on your teeth, the cleaning will boost your general oral health.
You’ll also enjoy a fresher breath. If you’re suffering from intrinsic stains, your dental hygienist will recommend other thorough teeth whitening options.
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Brush with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda
You can use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to manage chronic teeth stains. Hydrogen peroxide works as a natural-based whitener whereas baking soda works as an abrasive.
However, you should only use this solution sparingly, preferably once or twice a month. Excessive use of this solution can damage your gums and teeth.
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Use an electric toothbrush
Sonic or powered rotary toothbrushes give the teeth more strokes than manual toothbrushes. By using a powered toothbrush routinely, you’ll experience improved stain prevention and plaque removal.
Some electric toothbrushes come with whitening modes for use once you’re done brushing. The whitening modes enhance stain removal by whitening the teeth.
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Teeth whitening kits
There’re several teeth whitening kits that can help in brightening teeth and getting rid of coffee stains. Some contain a bleaching gel that clears stains. These products are great for removing both extrinsic and intrinsic teeth stains.
Teeth whitening kits include liquid packs and teeth-whitening strips. Some liquid packs are designed for use on the upper teeth while others are ideal for use on the lower teeth.
They come with a solution that’s applied to the guards. The kits include syringes for applying the solution. The guard is placed on the teeth and allowed to remain in place as directed. Once removed, you’ll need to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth.
Teeth-whitening strips are also applied on the teeth and left on the teeth as directed. You’ll also need to rinse your mouth and brush the teeth after removing the strips.
These kits are suitable for removing heavy stains, especially for heavy coffee drinkers. You can consult your dentist on the best kit for home use. Ensure you have enough time to use the kit.
Also, follow the instructions that come with the kit to avoid damaging your enamel. Improper or prolonged use of the kits can damage your gum and teeth due to their hydrogen peroxide ingredient.
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Sugar-free chewing gum
Chewing some sugarless chewing gum is a nice way of cleaning your teeth and conquering coffee breath in your mouth. Chewing gum can also increase saliva in the mouth.
Saliva helps in washing away plaque and acids from the teeth. You can chew sugarless gum after drinking coffee or eating to prevent your tooth from decaying.
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Coconut oil
Swishing coconut oil in your mouth for about 10 to 20 minutes is a natural method of removing coffee stains from the teeth. It’s a stain removal method you can use at home.
Coconut oil contains antibacterial properties that kill bacteria after eating food or drinking a beverage. It also assists in whitening the teeth. It neutralizes excessive acidity in the mouth, thereby neutralizing the effect that stains may have on your teeth.
How to Prevent Coffee Stains On Your Teeth
Considering the fact that coffee stains can accumulate on your teeth over time, it’s important to prevent them before they become more stubborn.
One of the preventative measures you can take is to rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water after drinking coffee. Also, brush your teeth after drinking coffee to get rid of any stains that may start sticking to the enamel.
Avoid sugar and creamer since they allow discoloring bacteria to thrive. Also, drink coffee quickly rather than taking it in small sips to prevent the buildup of bacteria. To add to that, drink water after taking coffee to rinse your teeth and mouth.
You choose to sip coffee with a straw to prevent the brew from staining the front surface of the teeth. Also, there’re certain foods you can eat such as vegetables and fruits. They contain fibers that break down any bacteria to clean your teeth naturally.
Can Coffee Cause Bad Breath?
Drinking coffee may leave an aftertaste that may linger for some hours and alter the smell of your breath. Whenever you eat or drink, the residue that’s left in your mouth may allow bad bacteria to thrive.
If your brew has sweeteners or creamer, they’ll be great sources of food for bacteria in your mouth. Thus, drinking coffee more often will allow for more bacteria to thrive.
Thus, it’s advised to rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee. Also, brush your teeth after every meal.
Which Other Drinks and Food Can Stain Your Teeth?
Besides coffee, there’re other drinks and foods that can stain your teeth. Even some recreational activities such as swimming may increase the level of stain in your teeth. Foods and drinks that can stain your teeth include:
- Red wine
- Soda
- Popsicles
- Tea
- Berries
- Colored beverages
- Sports drinks
- Curry
- Fruit juice
- Certain prescription medicine
- Vitamin supplements
You can prevent and reduce stain buildup from these foods and drinks by rinsing your teeth after eating or drinking them. Also, brush your teeth at least twice a day.
The Bottom Line
Although coffee offers numerous health benefits when consumed moderately, it may stain your teeth, especially when the necessary preventive measures aren’t observed.
If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, ensure you clean your teeth regularly to avoid stains. If you already have coffee stains on your teeth, have them removed by a professional dental hygienist.
You can also try various stain removal remedies at home. To sum it up, rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee and brush your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth white and have a fresh breath.
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