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How Does Coffee Affect Your Teeth?

January 21, 2015

Indianapolis Dentistry features flat-screen TV’s, an office area to get online, and a coffee bar. We love coffee, but we don't love what it can do to your teeth.

If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee." -Abraham Lincoln

Your teeth are naturally going to become more yellow as you age, but there are certain activities which can expedite that process and help stain your teeth. Coffee is one of them.

WHY DOES COFFEE STAIN TEETH?

The enamel of our teeth is porous which makes it highly susceptible to stains. Usually, colored foods and beverages are major causes of discolored teeth, but it’s not just the color of food - it's also the food’s level of acidity.

Coffee is acidic and contains large amounts of tannins that are highly staining. The darker the beverage, the stronger the staining that could occur. Heat also expands the enamel, making it more porous and susceptible to stains.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY TEETH?

If you love coffee like we do, there are things you can do to help prevent staining from coffee:

  • Use a straw when drinking iced coffee - this will help the liquid bypass your teeth
  • Drink and swallow as quick as you can - the longer the teeth is exposed to it, the higher the chances of staining
  • Do not overbrush your teeth or brush too soon - acid from coffee makes your teeth sensitive for the first 15 minutes

HOW DO I WHITEN MY TEETH IF THEY ARE ALREADY STAINED?

Coffee and tea’s dark color and acidity can cause yellowing of the teeth over time, but is easily treated with teeth whitening." -Dr. Ted Reese, DDS, MAGD

Dr. Reese in Indianapolis is a cosmetic dentist who has been helping people get better smiles for over 30 years. He can help you whiten your teeth through in-office and take-home teeth whitening. Call 317-882-0228 for an appointment.

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