The Java And Teeth: How To Indulge In Your Morning Coffee Without Staining Your Choppers
Coffee is an aromatic and delicious wake-up call every morning and can help energize your mind and body for the day ahead. But as great as coffee might be to help you drag yourself out of bed, it turns out that it's not too good for your teeth – a habit of coffee drinking can actually stain your enamel. So if you can't give up your morning joe, what are you to do? If you're looking for tips to keep your teeth in tip-top shape while still indulging in your favorite roast, then here's what you need to know.
Use a Straw
As odd as that might seem to you – after all, the tiny coffee straws you see at coffee shops and supermarkets are both super thin and super annoying – using a straw to sip your coffee is probably the best thing you can do to prevent it from staining your teeth. Also recommended for frequent soda or juice drinkers, straws help to get the liquid into your mouth and down your throat without having it spend a bunch of time swimming around your teeth and causing staining and damage to your enamel. While it may take some time to get used to, sipping through a straw is a fantastic way to have your coffee and drink it, too.
Drink Some Water
Water is one of the more important liquids in life, and it can help play a big part in preventing your coffee from staining your teeth. Drinking water – preferably with a bit of lemon squeezed in there to brighten up your teeth even more – helps wash away the tannins in coffee (and in red wine and tea – two other drinks that tend to stain your teeth) that are responsible for the nasty staining business, while still allowing you to enjoy your morning brew.
Don't Forget Mouthwash
On top of both of these suggestions, you really shouldn't forget to take a nice, long swig with mouthwash after drinking coffee. Not only will it prevent the dreaded coffee breath that you hate (both on others and yourself), but it once again will help get those staining properties off of your teeth and out of your mouth, where they can't do any harm anymore. If you really want to take this suggestion to the next level, swish with a whitening mouthwash that's also alcohol free; the whitening will brighten your teeth while working against any last dregs that might be on them, while the alcohol-free recipe will prevent the dry mouth (where bacteria thrive best) that can come with use of mouthwash.
For more information, contact professionals like Suncoast Dental Center.
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