Does Iced Coffee Stain Teeth?
We all enjoy a refreshing cup of ice coffee on a hot summer day, but is it staining your teeth? Taking a sip of a dark iced coffee can leave you worrying whether the caffeine and dark hue are damaging those pearly whites.
Teeth Staining from Coffee
Coffee beverages, whether iced or hot, contain several stain-causing substances. Coffee is a combination of various acids, tannins, and chromogens that can bind to your tooth surface and cause staining. Coffee is also darker in color compared to other drinks, which can cause teeth to appear darker or yellow.
Protecting your Teeth
Fortunately, techniques can be used to protect your teeth while still enjoying your favorite iced coffee.
- Drink with a Straw: A straw helps prevent contact with your teeth and can reduce staining.
- Rinse Afterwards: Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking a cup of iced coffee. Doing so will cleanse your mouth and help prevent staining.
- Use Tooth Whitening Products: Using a whitening product such as toothpaste or mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide can minimize staining and keep your teeth brighter.
In Conclusion
Enjoying an iced coffee doesn’t have to come at the expense of your teeth’s color. Taking a few precautionary steps like drinking with a straw, rinsing afterwards, and using tooth whitening products can help protect against staining and keep your teeth looking their best.
