Don’t worry: we’re not going to tell you to stop drinking coffee! We understand how necessary that morning (or afternoon) boost of caffeine can be, especially during these gloomy, winter months. We love our coffee too!
This North Tonawanda Family Dentistry post is just to help you take care of your teeth by protecting them from stains and ridding them of any discoloration as safely as possible.
Why does coffee stain teeth?
Coffee is one of the leading causes of stained teeth in our area, and the discoloration can be as unsightly as those from tobacco. So why does coffee stain?
Protect Your Teeth from Coffee Stains
The most effective and easiest way to protect your teeth is to rinse with water when you finish your cup of coffee. Water is a great, healthy drink anyway, and using it to follow coffee helps rid the caustic chemicals from your mouth.
Another piece of advice that may seem strange is to drink your coffee as quickly as possible. This will minimize the time your teeth are in contact with tannins, which will help prevent and diminish the damage to your enamel.
Whiten Teeth
If your teeth are already stained from coffee or any other substance, whitening may be an option. You should always check with Dr. Greenberg before whitening your teeth, and our North Tonawanda dental staff will recommend the treatment that is right for you.
There are many whitening options available, whether you choose to use an in-office treatment or buy strips or gels from the store. We can help you find the perfect choice that will get rid of stains without damaging your teeth.
Coffee and Caffeine
Of course, both for your teeth and your general health, it is best to limit the amount of coffee you drink each day. Too much caffeine, whether it’s from coffee or Red Bull© or Pepsi©, can affect your heart and stomach and lead to serious health problems over time.
Here in our North Tonawanda office, we want to do everything we can to protect and maintain not only your oral health, but your overall health as well. If you have any questions about coffee stains, teeth whitening, or anything else, please contact North Tonawanda Family Dentistry today!