9 Ways to Avoid Teeth Stains Caused by Coffee

Love coffee but afraid it will stain your teeth? Here are a few pro tips to consider.

Many love their daily caffeine fix every morning (at least), but that can also come at a cost for the color of our teeth. The simple truth is that coffee, unfortunately, can stain your teeth. It may not evidently be apparent the first few times, but if you constantly drink it everyday, it can gradually stain your pearly whites. 

What causes coffee stains on your teeth?

So, let’s break it down. According to the American Dental Association, coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining culprits because they contain intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the white, outer part of your tooth. Coffee also contains tannins, a type of polyphenol, which often get the blame for that light yellowish hue as well.

Unfortunately, coffee isn’t the only culprit: tea and wine contain tannins too.

How to avoid coffee from staining your teeth

Yes, there are ways to avoid teeth discoloration and also not sacrificing your daily cup of joe. 

There are both cost-effective ways, but also costly ways you can use to limit these coffee stains on your teeth.

Here are just a few tips to help you get started.

1. Regular Dentist Appointments

Many people fear going to the dentist, but this is the kind of dentist visit you might want to take if you want clean teeth. Dentists are capable of doing biannual - or twice a year - teeth cleaning that can help preserve the cleanliness of your teeth and wash away those coffee stains.

However, this may not be the most cost effective for you and your wallet.

2. Baking Soda

Legend says that if you brush your teeth regularly with baking soda mixed with a little bit of water twice a month, it can really help with keeping teeth stains away.

Baking soda contains natural components similar to a whitening toothpaste that might help whiten your teeth and preserve that white color you love. Make sure to read more before trying yourself, to make sure you are doing it safely.

3. Drinking Through a Straw

This is definitely one of the more practical, easy ways to help limit coffee stains on your teeth. Drinking your coffee through a straw and not having it really touch your teeth is the most ideal and easy way to still consume your delicious cup of joe. Unfortunately, this may be a difficult task when it comes to hot coffee.

4. Teeth whitening strips

If going to the dentist is daunting and too pricey for you, purchasing some teeth whitening strips to use in the comfort of your own home is another option. Over-the-counter strips whiten by bleaching your teeth, and the ADA suggests looking for products with its Seal of Acceptance and talking to your dentist before starting.

However, don’t overdo it: follow the directions on the package. Just like coffee, take it a little bit at a time.

5. Avoid creamer and sugar

If you’re the type of person who adds a lot of creamer and sugar in your coffee, it might soon be a good time to cut back. Sugary, creamy coffee drinks tend to linger in your mouth, and drinking your coffee simpler means there’s less to rinse away afterward.

6. Brush your teeth after drinking coffee

If it is possible, keeping up with brushing during the day is a simple way to keep coffee from sitting on your teeth. The longer the coffee sits in your mouth without being washed out, the more chance it has to leave its color behind (not to mention coffee breath). Yikes! Ask your dentist how soon after coffee they recommend brushing.

7. Drink less coffee

This is probably the most disliked tip out of this whole list because if you’re a real coffee lover, you know you have to drink it at least twice a day.

However, if you want to avoid those yucky teeth stains, drinking less coffee is the most realistic option. You can drink one coffee in the morning and then opt for another caffeinated drink that doesn’t have as much tannins or color to it.

8. Drink water immediately after drinking coffee

As mentioned before, if brushing your teeth after drinking coffee just isn’t possible for you, try drinking water and rinsing your mouth after a few sips. A quick rinse helps wash away the coffee that would otherwise sit on your teeth.

9. Snack on crunchy fruits and veggies

Some people like to follow their coffee with crunchy raw fruits and vegetables, like apples or carrots, hoping the extra chewing helps scrub away some of that coffee residue. It’s no substitute for brushing, but it’s an easy habit to try.

Teas to rotate in

If you want to mix things up, here are a few other drinks to rotate in. Two of them have that caffeine boost, and one is a caffeine-free option.

1. White tea

White tea comes from the same plant and leaf as the green tee, but less processed than green tea. It brews up lighter in color, with a delicate flavor.

2. Yerba mate

Yerba Mate is an incredibly popular drink among college students because it is tasty and provides that kick of caffeine people all love and need. It is a tea-like drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant.

3. Rooibos herbal tea

This tea alternative is so popular and commonly known because it almost has a coffee-like flavor. It has a nutty flavor and is naturally caffeine-free, so it’s a good pick for later in the day.

Generally speaking, the more you are prone to drinking darker colored beverages, the more chances your teeth can get stained. Luckily, there are simple habits that can help limit staining while you still enjoy your daily dose of caffeine!

 

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This article is for general information only and isn't medical or nutritional advice. If you have questions about caffeine, your diet or a health condition, talk to your doctor.