What Does Coffee Do To Your Teeth

Did you know there are over 33,800 Starbucks in the world today? Americans drink more coffee than any other population on the planet! For the average groggy adult reaching for their morning frappuccino, we have a few facts about this dubbed caffeine obsession that may warrant you making your next visit to your local dentist.

Get To Know: The Fix On Your Coffee Fix

We know coffee stains teeth. But how? And isn’t time we put down the cup of joe and really asked ourselves: What does coffee do to our teeth? At Riar Dental, we did just that. As your family and cosmetic dentist, we can’t wait to see you smile, and keep the coffee breath down low!

As Staining As Wine?

Ever wondered, how does coffee stain teeth? The answer may have more in common with your evening glass of wine than you may think.

Tannins, which are a type of polyphenol found in coffee (and wine and tea!) cause color compounds to stick to your teeth. Because the surface of even the healthiest teeth has small, mostly undetectable ridges and pits, food and drink particles can get trapped in these tiny places and develop stains and yellowing.

Reaching for your drugstore teeth whitening strips? Avoid coffee stains on your teeth. Give Dr. Riar a call at (661) 832-1877 to ask us about convenient teeth whitening in 93311.

Daily Exposure To Acids

Relax–even a dentist won’t dare to tell you to stop drinking coffee. Imagine a world full of people who are deprived of caffeine! But if you find yourself masking coffee breath with a breath mint on a daily basis, know that there’s more you can do to protect your smile and social life.

Coffee and similar sugary or acidic beverages introduce bacteria and acids into the mouth that can lead to tooth decay, cavities and increased risks for gum disease. For quick tips on how to keep your teeth healthy and bright without kicking caffeine, scroll below for our coffee stain cheat sheet!

5 Tips To Prevent Coffee Stains On Teeth

1. Drink your coffee in one sitting. An all-day sipping session means that your teeth will be endlessly exposed to sugar, bacteria, and acids that wear against the enamel. Avoid the prolonged exposure by drinking your coffee in a condensed time period.
2. Drink it through a straw. Some of you who have recently whitened your teeth are probably nodding–for the first few weeks, you are often drinking everything out of a straw to avoid dulling your newly bright whites!
3. Drink water immediately after finishing your coffee. Water is free, convenient and exceptionally good at flushing the mouth of those sneaky, sticky food and drink particles that are known to get caught in the teeth and cause staining.
4. Brush your teeth! You might grimace thinking about the taste of mint right after coffee, but your teeth will thank you. And your breath (and those nearby who are exposed to it) will thank you, too.
5. Eat some fruit. If brushing your teeth isn’t an option immediately after consuming coffee, chomp down on raw fruits and veggies. Crunchy, watery choices will help scrub tannins from your enamel to encourage a whiter smile.

Riar Dentistry: Where Beautiful Smiles Begin

Curious about achieving a fresh life after coffee stains or yellow teeth? Dr. Riar and our team are happy to walk you through your options for a smile makeover with easy and modern cosmetic dentistry at Riar Dental Arts in Bakersfield.

Call us today at (661) 832-1877 to make an appointment or visit our office to schedule in person at 5701 Young St #300, Bakersfield, CA 93311.