Some Tips To Prevent Coffee Stains On Teeth

I think it is safe to say that you and me for that matter are not going to stop drinking coffee and soda anytime soon. Here are some tips to prevent staining.

We all need our daily fix of a cup of coffee or two, or three. It does have health benefits, but it can also do a number on your teeth.

In addition to making you more alert and lowering your risk of cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, early evidence shows that coffee may be beneficial for your teeth by preventing bone loss in the jaw, while green coffee has antibacterial properties that may help protect the gums.

But what about coffee stains on your teeth? Coffee not only can discolor the protective tooth enamel, but also can stain resins, which are tooth-colored materials used to fill cavities and replace chipped teeth.

Three tips to prevent coffee and soda stains on your teeth, according to the Academy of General Dentistry:

1. Sip coffee through a straw
While typically associated with cold coffee drinks, using a straw to drink hot coffee will reduce the amount that touches your teeth.

2. Rinse with water
Drinking or rinsing with water after enjoying your coffee can reduce the risk of staining.

3. Wait a half-hour to brush your teeth
Evidence shows that coffee and other acidic beverages soften tooth enamel, and brushing your teeth right away can damage the enamel and dentin underneath it. But the effect is temporary. Enamel will start to harden within a half hour of being subjected to acids, so it's best to wait 30 minutes after drinking coffee, wine, lemonade or other acidic drinks before brushing your teeth.

"It is a stimulant, so be sure to stop drinking it early enough so it doesn't interfere with sleep. For most people, because coffee may help prolong life, the benefits outweigh the risks, such as tooth staining."

My dad used to always say, "Be true to your teeth or they'll be false."

[via: Academy of General Dentistry]