Tea And Coffee: How To Prevent Stains On Your Teeth

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Tea and coffee are two popular beverages that people consume on a regular basis. In fact, many people will choose one or the other of these drinks to begin their day. Unfortunately, both of these drinks have the potential to stain your teeth, leaving them with a yellowish or brownish tint. Of course, these beverages have their benefits. If you want to reap the benefits of tea and/or coffee, but you also want to avoid discoloration of your teeth, you need to know how to prevent stains.

Understanding the Benefits of Tea and Coffee for Your Teeth

While both of these beverages may stain your teeth, tea and coffee can be beneficial to your overall oral health. Coffee has the ability to eliminate plaque-causing bacteria, which can help prevent the development of tooth decay as well as gum disease. Tea contains polyphenols, which produce anti-inflammatory activity to prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

Preventing Coffee and Tea Stains on Your Teeth

While it is true that there are oral health benefits to drinking coffee and tea, both of these beverages still hold the ability to stain your teeth, causing them to appear yellow and dingy. Luckily, there are several preventative measures that can be taken while drinking either one of these beverages to prevent your teeth from becoming stained.

For example, milk can be added to your drink. Milk will lighten the color of the tea or milk. Plus, milk contains protein, which will attach to the polyphenols found in the beverages. So, instead of the polyphenols attaching to and staining your teeth, they will head directly to your stomach. Caffeine-free coffee will contain fewer polyphenols, so you should drink it whenever possible to minimize staining. Also, to reduce the amount of contact that the coffee or tea has with your teeth, drink through a straw.

Last, but not least, brush your teeth approximately 30 minutes after drinking a cup of tea or coffee. This will help to eliminate any lasting residue from the beverage before it has the chance to stain your teeth.

Undergo Teeth Whitening Treatments

In some cases, it isn't possible to prevent stains. Whether stains are already present or you just want to take an additional precautionary measure to prevent stains, consider teeth whitening treatments. There are multiple home whitening remedies, though the most effective treatment will be the one that your cosmetic dentist can do. Aside from having an in-office whitening treatment, your dentist can send you home with whitening gel and whitening trays so that you can whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home.

For more information, talk to a dentist like Reconstructive & Implant Dental - Edward M Amet DDS


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