A Coffee Lover? Here's How to Keep Your Teeth White

Your eyes light up, and your smile widens right after your first sip of a brewed cup of black coffee or iced caramel macchiato in the morning. It's a delicious drink that gets you pumped up and lets you start your day on a good note. But unfortunately, there's a downside to being a coffee lover. Coffee is one of those drinks that easily stain your teeth, causing your smile not to shine as brightly as you want it to. Don't fret, though, as we'll help you keep your teeth white without giving up your coffee!

Brush and floss your teeth after every cup.

Your dental enamel or the hard surface on the outside of your teeth isn't completely solid. Tiny gaps and spaces exist along the enamel's surface. So when you eat or drink, particles from the items you consume enter those tiny gaps. If those particles are dark-coloured like coffee, they are likely to contain compounds that stick to the enamel's gaps and ridges and settle on the surface. Those dark pigments that have gradually settled onto your enamel will yellow your teeth over time. So what can you do to fend off those dark pigments settling on your tooth enamel? Brush and floss after every cup. It's the easiest way to keep coffee stains from settling into those tiny nooks and crannies of your enamel. Doing so also helps remove the bacteria that may cause teeth discolouration and decay.

Can't brush your teeth after coffee? Rinse your mouth.

What can you do if you can't brush & floss your teeth after coffee since you are drinking on the go or have to rush to a meeting after breakfast? Rinse your mouth. Swishing water in your mouth can remove some coffee residues from your tooth surface. But after your meeting or once you've settled down in your office or destination, you shouldn't forget to go to the bathroom to brush and floss your teeth.

Drink iced coffee with a straw.

Drinking your favourite iced coffee through a straw lets the coffee particles bypass your teeth's outer surfaces. This isn't a cure-all fix, though. You will still likely have staining liquids in your mouth as you sip and drink. That said, you will still decrease your dental enamel's exposure to the dark, staining pigments of coffee. A hot coffee lover? You can still try to drink using a straw. It may not be conventional, but it works to lessen the impact of coffee stains on your teeth.

Get professional in-office teeth whitening.

If the damage has been done, it's time to go to your cosmetic dentist and get in-office teeth whitening treatment. It is more effective than at-home whitening kits and can defeat even the toughest coffee stains, making your teeth eight to 12 shades whiter. The procedure is simple and fast. In PureSmile, it can even be done in under an hour, thanks to the clinic's state-of-the-art LED teeth whitening technology.You can keep the results for a long time by following the tips above, like brushing & flossing right after drinking coffee or using a straw to enjoy your favourite drink. You can also go back to your cosmetic dentist after several months for a touch-up.

Try at-home teeth whitening kits or strips.

You can use at-home whitening kits or strips to maintain the results after getting your teeth whitened professionally. There's an extensive range of at-home products available today, and they vary in price and level of whitening. Be wary, though, as some products contain dangerous ingredients that may cause more harm than good. It's best to ask your cosmetic dentist before buying a whitening kit online or over the counter. That way, you'll know how to maintain your pearly whites properly at home.Coffee is delicious and a must-have in the morning, so it can be hard to give up. But like most coloured or acidic food, it can leave your teeth looking stained. Thankfully, you can do something about itâ€”without giving up your favourite drink in the world! By practising good dental hygiene, changing how you consume coffee or getting professional teeth whitening treatment, you can keep your smile looking bright!Also Read: 7 Proven Benefits of Black Coffee for Weight Loss.