Can coffee stain your teeth? Yes, drinking coffee can stain your teeth. Coffee is one of the world’s leading beverages with a whopping 400 million cups of coffee consumed by Americans annually. Most people would find it extremely hard to start their day on the right foot without a strong cup of coffee.
However, it’s also one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. And while there’s no harm in enjoying a daily cup of morning coffee, it’s imperative to know the effects of the beverage on teeth.
At Bedford Dental Group, we have a team of expert cosmetic dentists who aim at delivering utmost care to patients. We offer a wide range of dental services including professional tooth brightening and cleaning treatments such as teeth whitening and teeth cleaning. With over 30 years of experience, we’re one of the leading cosmetic destists in Beverly Hills. Take the first step towards a brighter smile now by contacting us to schedule a free consultation!
How Does Coffee Stain Teeth?
Although coffee does provide much-needed stimulus in the morning to get the body’s senses going, it does contain tannins. Tannins are a group of bitter and astringent compounds found in plants such as coffee, tea, and wine, all of which cause staining on teeth to varying degrees. Of all these, coffee is the leading culprit of teeth staining owing to its popularity.
The coffee stains on teeth occur over time for coffee enthusiasts as the tannin builds up on the enamel. In time the teeth become visibly discolored. Discolored or yellowing teeth can cause one to smile self-consciously. Fortunately, no one should have to endure discolored teeth as a result of drinking coffee because a visit to the local dentist and a whitening toothpaste should be able to restore coffee teeth to glistening white.
The enamel of the teeth is indeed the hardest substance in the human body. However, contrary to what most people think, it’s not as smooth and flat as it appears. Upon close inspection with a microscope, the tooth enamel reveals microscopic pits and ridges. These minute crooks and crannies on the enamel can accumulate particles of food and drink. Tannins from tea and coffee stains accumulate over time and embed themselves into these enamel spaces to cause discoloration.
Why Does Coffee Stain Teeth?
Coffee stains on teeth occur because of the drink’s dark pigments called chromogens. These pigments attach to the enamel and become more noticeable over time.
Moreover, coffee’s acidity can make the enamel more porous. This enhances the staining effect by allowing pigments to penetrate more deeply. For those looking to maintain a brighter smile while enjoying drink coffee, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and consider professional dental treatments.
On the other hand, those with porcelain veneers are less likely to worry about coffee stains. People often ask, ‘Do porcelain veneers stain?’ Although their stain-free factor is not absolute, veneers are not as porous as normal enamel. Therefore, the chances of them getting stained are less likely.
Can Teeth Whitening Clean Coffee Stains?
Yes, teeth whitening can effectively clean coffee stains from natural teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments use powerful bleaching agents that break down the pigments causing discoloration. Therefore, restoring the teeth to a brighter and more natural color. These treatments can significantly reduce the appearance of coffee stains, especially when performed by dental professionals.
However, teeth whitening treatments do not work on porcelain veneers or other dental restorations like dental crowns and dental bridges. Keep in mind that veneers are made from materials that are resistant to the bleaching agents in whitening treatments. If your veneers have become stained, you should consult with your dentist. They are in the best place to recommend the best course of action, which might include professional cleaning or, in some cases, replacing the veneers. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential to maintain the aesthetics and longevity of porcelain veneers, you can continue to drink in peace.
Can Discoloration Of Teeth From Coffee Be Prevented?
Well, the answer is yes, you can prevent coffee stains. Giving up coffee is not exactly an option for a majority of coffee drinkers. However, one of the solutions is having scheduled coffee breaks that allow one to rinse their mouth or better yet brush their teeth to get rid of any tannins embedded in the teeth enamel.
If one already has coffee teeth, fret not! That’s because a competent dentist can restore the bright white smile in place once again through teeth whitening. They do that by cleaning the teeth thoroughly using specialized solutions as well as equipment.
Need Teeth Cleaning Treatment to Brighten Up Your Smile?
Maintaining a bright and healthy smile is essential, even for avid coffee lovers. Rinsing the mouth or brushing your teeth after enjoying a cup of coffee is an excellent way of preventing coffee teeth. Coffee lovers can stay ahead of coffee teeth and maintain a brilliant smile through regular visits to the dentist for a thorough session of teeth cleaning.
If you’re concerned about coffee stains on your teeth or are considering veneers, Bedford Dental Group is here to help. Don’t let coffee stains dim your smile, contact us today!
