How to Fix Coffee-Stained Teeth

Once upon a time, coffee lovers were often weighed down by the burden of having to choose between their favorite beverage and having a smile without the stains coffee is known for leaving on teeth. However, in this day and age, teeth whitening products have virtually guaranteed that coffee drinkers do not have to pick a bright smile over their favorite way of waking themselves up in the morning.

Admittedly, reducing coffee consumption does help avoid the necessity of teeth whitening products in the first place, and it will certainly help maintain your teeth’s white color after using whitening products. Even so, knowing there are other options thanks to modern innovations should provide a little hope for those of us who like to enjoy two to three cups of coffee per day. You can choose an OTC teeth whitening product from a local grocery store or pharmacy, but you can also head to your dentist’s office for a more professional teeth whitening treatment.

Coffee Stains

While some discoloration and yellowing of teeth stems from our body’s natural aging, the acid within coffee can also affect the teeth’s enamel and leave stains. Some in the past have tried using whitening products only to see the yellow color return quickly afterward, which can be caused by drinking a cup of coffee soon after using the product. As per the American Dental Association (ADA), it’s best to avoid consuming stain-causing drinks like coffee for a couple of days following the use of a teeth whitening product in order to keep your stains from coming back quickly.

Teeth Whiteners

If you are at the store and elect to try out an OTC teeth whitening product, then your options likely include bleaching whiteners and whitening toothpastes. A whitening toothpaste polishes teeth and removes stains without having to use bleaching, but it does have enzymes that help remove stains from the teeth’s surface layer. Bleaching whiteners, on the other hand, are available at your dentist’s office as well as over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or grocery store. These products coat the teeth and subsequently dissolve stains, but, while they are very effective, they can cause sensitivity, so make sure to adhere to the directions that the packaging provides.

In the end, using a whitening product for coffee-stained teeth can greatly help you to have a healthier-looking, brighter smile, but just remember the discoloration may return in certain circumstances. Regardless of the type of product you choose, make sure to consult your dental professional for help deciding on the better teeth whitening product for you.

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