There are many ways that discolouration and staining of your teeth can occur but coffee and red wine are two of the major culprits. If you value a bright, white smile then it makes sense to be aware of how consuming these can result in staining your teeth.
The impact of coffee and red wine on teeth happens over time and you could end up with a yellow or light brown colour as a result of enjoying these favourite beverages. So, how do you avoid that?
Brush your teeth – but not right away
It makes sense that brushing your teeth after you’ve had a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine would help to ensure your teeth look healthy and white. However, it’s essential to make sure that you don’t do this immediately after you’ve finished your drink. When we eat and drink anything that is acidic this can weaken the enamel on our teeth and if you pick up your brush straight away then you can cause harm to enamel that is already in a weakened condition. Enamel is what keeps our teeth looking white and ensures they are healthy and once this has been destroyed it cannot be replaced. So, instead wait 30 minutes after you’ve finished your coffee or red wine and then brush. This will avoid damage to enamel and help to avoid red wine and coffee staining.
Make sure you have regular check ups
Healthy teeth and gums require professional support – it’s not enough just to keep up a brushing and flossing routine and home. Your dentist will be able to ensure that you’re looking after your teeth properly at home – using the right toothbrush and the correct brushing technique, for example – and make sure that your gums are healthy. Dentists can spot problems early, dealing with damage to your teeth so that it doesn’t escalate and become painful or visible. You’ll also be able to book a visit to the hygienist who will give your teeth a deep clean and polish surface stains.
Think about a whitening treatment
If you’re doing all of the above but you have some residual historic discolouration to your teeth that you’re just not comfortable with then it might be worth thinking about a whitening treatment. This can be particularly useful if you have set in stains or you’re dealing with the impact of older bad habits on your teeth. There are lots of advantages to having a whiter smile, including feeling more confident and being able to smile whenever you feel like it, instead of hiding teeth that have become stained. Your dentist will be able to talk you through the options that are available for teeth whitening – including the harsher over the counter treatments that are best to avoid. Most whitening treatments will last around 12 to 18 months.
Coffee and red wine are two of life’s pleasures and many of us enjoy them regularly. If you’re concerned about the impact that consuming these is having on the whiteness of your teeth then there are steps that you can take to correct this.
