There is a long list of food and beverages that can alter the shade of your teeth over time, including blueberries, tomatoes and tea. But one of the most notorious culprits is coffee, because millions of Americans drink this beverage every morning and throughout the day to stay energized. If you understand how and why coffee stains the teeth, it may inspire you to take every precaution to stop this from happening to your pretty pearly whites.A Little Bit About Coffee
Coffee was first discovered in ancient times, circa 1000 A.D. Several millennia later, we have fully adopted this delicious hot drink into our daily routines. It’s estimated that we drink over 2 billion cups of coffee each day all around the world. Coffee is well known for its ability to perk you up and give you a little boost to start your day, but unfortunately it might not be a best friend to your teeth.
Why Does It Stain Your Teeth So Much?
Coffee is very hot and dark in color. It has the ability to seep into the tiny pores of your teeth fairly easily and grab hold as it cools. When you allow the remnants of your morning coffee to sit on your teeth for a long period of time, it increases the chance of staining. Coffee is also very acidic—substances that are high in acidity are more prone to weaken the enamel of your teeth. As the enamel wears away, it exposes the dentin layer of the teeth, which is usually more yellow in appearance.
What to Do About It
Proper tooth care and maintenance is the key to preventing tooth staining if you’re one of the millions of people who love drinking the world's favorite morning beverage. Brush regularly with a tooth whitening paste and see your dentist twice per year for cleanings. You can also minimize coffee’s effect on your front teeth by drinking it with a straw. Rinse your mouth after having a cup.
If yellowing has already occurred, Dr. David L. Carlson can help you to resolve problems with your teeth that have come about due to coffee staining. Solutions range from professional teeth whitening to having a crown or veneer placed on the original tooth. Contact his office to schedule an appointment today.