3 Ways a Coffee Drinker Could Protect Their Teeth from Stains
Posted on 2/6/2023 by Dr. Michael Wockenfus
Most people today begin drinking coffee while they're in high school, and while it doesn't seem to be a big deal at the time, it can have lasting effects on your teeth. Coffee stains come from a particular substance that is produced by plants, and it has a quick and lasting reaction with white color. This is why coffee or tea is used for 'aging' fabrics and papers. But we don't want those stains to 'age' our teeth too—we just want the caffeine that comes with the drink. Here are a few ways that coffee drinkers can help to mitigate the stains.
Avoid Black Coffee, Drink Light Brews or Mixes
Black coffee is the number one reason why coffee stains appear on teeth. The plant fibers which cause stains become concentrated when they are in black coffee, thus making them more pronounced and effective at staining. To help keep these fibers under control, avoid drinking black coffee or dark roasts. Instead, drink your coffee as a mix with milk (good for your teeth) and stevia, or drink light roasts and blondes since they contain less plant and just as much caffeine.
Drink Through A Straw
If you've ever tried to drink hot coffee through a straw, you'll know two things; (1) that it tends to shock you, and (2) the coffee doesn't get on your teeth. Really, you shouldn't be drinking coffee hot enough to shock your mouth when sipped through a straw anyway. Wait a few minutes before consuming your drink and you'll be fine. Make sure to consider adding this straw trick to other drinks that you consume, since it works well with most sugary and acidic drinks, too.
Tend to Your Teeth After Your Drink
After you've finished your drink, give yourself 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. You want to allow for this time gap because it helps your teeth to 'harden'. In that time, you should rinse your mouth with water (or saltwater if you're experiencing discomfort) then eat some raw vegetables or fruits to help remove the coffee particles from your teeth. If you want to learn more about how to avoid teeth stains, give us a call today.
Dental Blog | Dentist Menasha, WI | Mid Valley Dental, S.C. Michael J. Wockenfus, DDS created a blog to educate the community. It is your resource for all dentistry questions. Learn and read topics in the blog here! Mid Valley Dental, SC, 903 E. Airport Road, Menasha, WI 54952; (920) 215-4160; midvalleydental.com; 10/10/2024; Key Phrases: dentist Menasha WI;
Most people today begin drinking coffee while they're in high school, and while it doesn't seem to be a big deal at the time, it can have lasting effects on your teeth. Coffee stains come from a particular substance that is produced by plants, and it has a quick and lasting reaction with white color. This is why coffee or tea is used for 'aging' fabrics and papers. But we don't want those stains to 'age' our teeth too—we just want the caffeine that comes with the drink. Here are a few ways that coffee drinkers can help to mitigate the stains. 
