How to Keep Coffee From Dimming Your Smile
Who doesn’t love that first cup of coffee in the morning? Or maybe you are more of a tea person. Either way, we’re not going to tell you to give up one of life’s little pleasures, but we still want to keep your smile bright. Coffee and tea can both contribute to staining over time, but that does not mean you have to choose between your favorite drink and your smile. A few easy habits can help you enjoy both.
Why Coffee and Tea Leave Their Mark
If you drink coffee or tea every day, you may eventually notice that your teeth do not look quite as bright as they once did. Coffee and tea can both leave behind stains on the surface of your teeth. It happens gradually, so you may not notice your smile changing from one day to the next.
Then one day you look at an older photo and think, “Were my teeth always this color?” Do not worry. You are in very good company.
Keep a Glass of Water Nearby
This may be the easiest tip of all. After you finish your coffee or tea, have a little water. It helps rinse your mouth and wash away some of what might otherwise linger on your teeth. If you are someone who always has a coffee cup on your desk, keeping a water bottle nearby makes this especially easy.
Try Not to Make One Cup Last All Morning
We know how this happens. You pour a cup of coffee, start working, get distracted, warm it up, answer a few emails, and somehow you are still drinking the same coffee two hours later. The longer you sip, the longer your teeth stay exposed to the compounds in your drink.
You do not need to gulp down your morning coffee or tea. Just try to enjoy it within a reasonable amount of time and then give your mouth a break.
Your Everyday Routine Still Does a Lot of the Work
Regular brushing and flossing help keep plaque and surface buildup from making your teeth look dull. Be gentle when you brush. Scrubbing harder will not remove deep stains, and your teeth and gums will be much happier with a soft touch and a thorough technique.
Your regular professional cleanings help too. They give us a chance to remove buildup you cannot easily reach at home and keep your smile feeling fresh. And if you ever want a little help with your brushing technique or choosing the right products, ask us. We are always happy to talk teeth.
Be Careful with DIY Whitening
We understand the temptation. You notice some staining, see a whitening hack online, and suddenly your kitchen cabinet starts looking like a dental supply closet. Before experimenting, talk to us.
Not every discoloration is the same, and whitening products are not right for every situation. We can help you understand why your teeth may have changed color and whether whitening makes sense for your smile.
Sometimes You Just Want Your Smile a Little Brighter
You can take wonderful care of your teeth and still develop staining from years of coffee, tea, and everyday life. That does not mean you have done anything wrong.
If your teeth are healthy but you miss the brighter smile you remember, professional whitening may be worth talking about. McMillan Family Dental offers whitening options for patients who would like to address stains from coffee, tea, and other deeply pigmented foods and drinks.
You do not have to be looking for a dramatic transformation either. Sometimes a little refresh is all you want.
Enjoy Your Coffee and Your Smile
Taking care of your teeth should fit into your real life, and real life may include a very necessary cup of coffee in the morning or a favorite tea in the afternoon. Enjoy it. Drink some water afterward, keep up with your brushing and flossing, stay consistent with your appointments, and let us know if staining starts bothering you. We are here to help you enjoy your smile, not take away the things you enjoy along the way.
If it is time for your next appointment or you have questions about keeping your smile bright, schedule with our office located in Meridian, ID. We always enjoy seeing you, catching up, and helping you keep your smile healthy and looking its best.
