drinking coffee

How Does Coffee Stain Teeth?

Many of us can’t function without a cup of coffee to jump-start the day. Did you know that the beverage that puts a smile on your face can also result in tooth discoloration? Knowing how to minimize the effect of coffee on your pearly whites will leave them more bright and shiny!

How Does Coffee Stain Your Teeth?

Even though your tooth enamel may look smooth, it contains microscopic pits and ridges that can trap dark pigments found in your food and drinks, resulting in permanent staining of your teeth. The acid in coffee may also contribute to tooth discoloration by weakening your tooth enamel, making it more prone to staining from pigments.

If you do not regularly brush or floss your teeth, your tooth enamel may have a film of plaque over it, making it easier for pigments in coffee to stick and stain. Even if you drink your coffee with milk or cream, your teeth can still get stained. While your cup of coffee may be lighter in color, the stain causing pigments remain present.

How Can You Prevent Coffee Damaging Your Smile?

While giving up coffee altogether is the best way to prevent staining, it is not the best solution for most people. Rather than abstaining, try to drink your coffee in one sitting instead of continually sipping throughout the day.

Sipping your coffee through a straw has been shown to be effective in preventing staining by helping the coffee bypass your teeth. After finishing your coffee, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with water to remove staining pigments. Additionally, visiting our office for regular cleanings every six months will allow us to remove some of the stains, leaving you with a whiter, brighter smile!

Tooth Whitening

Even if your teeth are stained, cosmetic dentistry offers tooth whitening treatments to restore your bright, white smile. Bleaching whiteners that help dissolve stains are available either over the counter or through our dental office.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Contact us at Bessey Creek Dental Care to learn more about tooth whitening and if it is the right cosmetic solution for you. Our highly trained and experienced team is committed to providing our patients with care and services second to none! We look forward to restoring the sparkle to your smile!