Safest Teeth Whiteners
The safest ways to whiten your teeth explained
Many people rely on drinking a cup of coffee to kick-start their day, but this morning routine can affect your dental health.
If a cup of coffee can stain your clothes, it can stain your teeth.
Coffee contains tannins. Tannins are a form of polyphenols that break down in water. They are also present in drinks like wine and tea.
Tannins cause color compounds to linger on your teeth. When these compounds stick to your teeth, they can leave a yellow stain behind.
It only takes drinking one cup of coffee a day to stain your teeth.
The most effective way to prevent stained teeth is to stop drinking coffee in excess.
You only have one set of natural teeth, so it makes sense that you will get some discoloration throughout your life.
It's essential to practice healthy oral hygiene. Discoloration can be treated, but severe gum disease and tooth loss cannot.
Here are 8 ways to prevent coffee stains on teeth:
Learn about the safest ways to whiten your teeth.
Like any beverage that is not water, coffee can lead to bacteria growth in the mouth. This can cause tooth enamel erosion. Teeth can become thin and brittle.
Drinking coffee can also lead to bad breath or halitosis because it lingers on the tongue.
To avoid these oral health issues, eat food before drinking coffee and use a tongue scraper and toothbrush after drinking coffee.
Coffee is a very acidic beverage, so drinking a lot of it can result in tooth enamel erosion.
Coffee stains do not erode enamel, which is the tooth’s protective outer layer. Substances high in acidity are more likely to weaken the enamel of your teeth.
As the enamel wears away, the dentin layer that coats your teeth is exposed. This results in a darkened yellow or brown appearance. Tooth enamel preserves teeth by protecting them against decay and sensitivity.
Coffee is not the only substance that stains teeth. Other foods and drinks can also leave behind a yellowish stain.
These include:
Yes.
Tea may be more likely to stain your teeth than coffee because of its higher tannin content.
Many black, green, and herbal teas contain tannins that stain teeth and gums.
Green tea leaves a grey stain on teeth. Black tea leaves yellowish marks. Even herbal teas like chamomile and hibiscus can cause staining.
See NewMouth’s top 10 teeth whitening products of 2022.
Fortunately, there are ways to remove coffee stains from teeth. These include:
Many over-the-counter products can help whiten teeth at home.
Over-the-counter whitening strips, gel trays, and LED whitening kits whiten beneath the surface stains and break up stains in your enamel.
Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that help remove stains from the surface of your teeth.
Whitening mouthwashes contain bleaching agents that can help remove surface stains from your teeth if you use them regularly.
Whitening products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance are proven to be effective and safe for use.
Coffee drinkers can also use some home remedies to whiten their teeth. For example, brushing your teeth with baking soda twice a month can help whiten them.
Additionally, consider changing from a manual toothbrush to an electric version.
Electric toothbrushes offer more cleaning power than manuals. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes.
If you're looking for a more effective and immediate solution, consider professional whitening.
The concentration of professional whitening gel is more potent than that of at-home whitening treatments. This means you will notice instant results.
For some people, tooth whitening gel can lead to temporary sensitivity. Your dentist can take extra precautions to ensure the soft tissues of your mouth don't become irritated.
You may also request at-home whitening treatments from your dentist.
At-home whitening gels prescribed by dentists contain higher concentrations of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. They also come with custom trays for more effective and comfortable whitening.
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