Ways To Prevent Coffee Stains On Your Teeth

I think it's safe to say that there is no way you are going to be giving up your coffee habit anytime soon, right? Well, here are some ways to prevent coffee stains on your teeth.

By the way, I am right with you. I don't drink coffee, but if I did there would be no way I would give it up either.

Besides, the latest is that coffee has a bunch of heath benefits and is actually good for you. And, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, (AGD), coffee may even be good for your teeth by preventing bone loss in the jaw.

There is still that issue of teeth staining from things like tea, coffee, wine and soda. Here are some tips from AGD on how to prevent coffee stains on your teeth:

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.

[via: Academy of General Dentistry]