Plus, did you know that you should always finish your coffee while it's still hot?
Image: Unsplash via Nathan DumlaoSource:BodyAndSoul
Coffeeholics, it’s time to put down the toothbrush (at least for 30 minutes). If you're looking for pearlier whites, try these lesser-known dental care tips from Cosmetic Avenue's, Dr Valence Roberts.
Calling all coffee-obsessed drinkers! If you rush off to the bathroom to brush your pearly whites immediately after caffeine in an attempt to avoid those yellowy stains, you’ve been doing it wrong!
You see, while yes, the pigments in coffee beans are renowned for staining teeth and the acidity of black coffee can erode your enamel, this can’t be repaired naturally. If you’re an avid after-coffee tooth brusher, experts say you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Tannins in teas and wine as well as the acidity in fizzy drinks and fruit juices can also soften enamel, so even if you’re not a regular caffeinator, you’ll want to keep reading.
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Cosmetic Avenue dentist, Dr Valence Roberts, has compiled a list of lesser-known dental hacks so you can keep enjoying your daily coffee, just without the stains that may dim your smile.
As much as you’d like to savour the lingering taste of coffee in your mouth, it’s important to drink a glass of non-carbonated water to rinse your teeth off. Fizzy water is slightly more acidic than tap water so it’s recommended to avoid any kind of carbonated bottled water.
Image: Unsplash via Jarek CeborskiSource:BodyAndSoul
You don’t have to scull your caffeine, but the longer you take to drink it, the longer your teeth are marinating in an acidic environment. Try to finish your coffee while it's still hot, if you've been sipping and it's cooled down, you've left your teeth exposed for too long.
If you’re a chronic coffee-sipper, Dr Roberts recommends alternating between sipping coffee and sipping water.
Image: Unsplash via Nathan DumlaoSource:BodyAndSoul
By using a drinking straw you are mostly avoiding your teeth, provided that you don’t swish your coffee around your mouth before swallowing. Silicone straws are the best to use with hot beverages as they are not only reusable, but they won’t heat up like the stainless steel straws or disintegrate like paper straws.
It might look a little unusual sipping a morning cappuccino through a straw, but it’s better than the alternative. But remember, even if you use a straw, it’s still beneficial to rinse your teeth with a glass of water following your morning coffee.
Keep up your dental routine. Image: Supplied, Cosmetic AvenueSource:BodyAndSoul
A daily brushing routine of twice a day, combined with flossing, mouthwash and regular trips to your dentist will help keep your teeth looking shiny and white.
The best time to brush your teeth is half an hour after eating breakfast to make sure food is not left lingering on your teeth. If you don't have time to wait around, brush them before eating or drinking coffee and simply rinse your mouth out with water afterwards.
In the evening, brush your teeth as part of your bedtime routine. It will help generate saliva to help reduce plaque that builds up overnight.
Image: Supplied, Cosmetic AvenueSource:BodyAndSoul
Don’t forget to book in for regular checkups and a professional clean with your dentist. This is a good chance to not only keep those coffee-drinking stains in check, but to ensure you’re keeping good oral health.
A professional clean can help, but if the extrinsic stains are really noticeable, you may want to consider getting your teeth professionally whitened. The at-home treatments you can purchase over-the-counter will not give you the same results as a dentist made, custom-fitted home whitening system, or in-house Zoom whitening. If the staining is particularly bad from years of damage or erosion from acids, veneers might be an alternative solution.
Dr Valence Roberts is the principal dentist at the Melbourne-based cosmetic dental clinic Cosmetic Avenue. Creating beautiful smiles that harmonise with your lips, cheeks and facial type is an art that Dr Val Roberts has mastered.
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