A morning coffee is one of life’s little joys for a lot of people and an energising start to the day. But it’s a well-known fact that drinking coffee regularly can stain your teeth, which can lead to discoloured and yellow teeth in the future.
But are coffee stains permanent? And is it possible to reduce or prevent coffee from discolouring your teeth? Well, we’ve got the answers to some of the most common questions about your burning questions about coffee and teeth stains.
Does coffee stain teeth permanently?
No, coffee doesn’t stain your teeth permanently. If you notice a slight discolouration, you can try using a whitening toothpaste or more preferably, undergo a professional clean and/or whitening treatment from your dentist.
So, what causes the discolouration? Well, it’s largely the tannins in coffee that cause teeth to discolour. Tannins contain organic compounds called polyphenols that contribute to coffee’s rich flavour and deep hue. However, these compounds can penetrate and stick to our tooth enamel, causing staining and yellow teeth.
While coffee can also stain the clear plaque on our teeth – leading to brownish stains – this type of discolouration can be easily brushed away. However, enamel stains are more difficult to remove, and will require a professional whitening treatment.
Can you drink coffee with braces or clear aligners?
Given that you can’t remove traditional metal or ceramic braces without a trip to the orthodontist, coffee lovers (and drinkers of other tannic beverages like tea and red wine) will need to proceed with caution. It’s still possible to drink coffee with braces, but you’ll need to be extra vigilant about rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterwards.
You’ll also need to thoroughly clean your teeth to avoid the tannins from potentially staining both your teeth and the components of your braces.
Thankfully, even if any components of your braces become discoloured, they can be easily replaced as necessary and will be removed safely at the end of your orthodontic treatment. And if red wine is more your vice, just remember to wait 30 minutes before brushing, as the acid in wine may soften your tooth enamel and increase the risk of erosion if you brush straight away.
With clear aligners such as Invisalign®, Spark® and 3M Clarity®, it’s essential to remove the trays before you have a hot drink. Hot liquids can warp the plastic of your clear aligners, impacting their fit and reducing their ability to effectively straighten your teeth. The pigment in coffee can also stain the clear plastic, making them more visible to the naked eye.
Drinking hot liquids, like coffee or tea, with a dash of sugar while wearing your clear aligners will trap the sugar and acid against your teeth, eventually damaging your tooth enamel and increasing your chances of tooth decay and cavities. However, drinking cold water with your aligners in is fine.
How to prevent teeth staining from coffee
There are several simple ways to prevent coffee from staining your teeth, which include:
- Drinking coffee from a straw (although you may get some curious looks from others, unless it is an iced coffee!)
- Rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterwards
- Diluting your coffee with extra milk
- Limiting your coffee intake
Is coffee or tea worse for your teeth?
Tea may potentially be worse for your teeth than coffee, as it contains higher levels of acids and tannins. Iced or brewed teas are equally bad when it comes to staining your teeth. So, when the 3 pm slump hits, consider reaching for a refreshing glass of fresh water rather than another coffee or tea.
Want more information?
You can get in touch with your local specialist orthodontist for tips on how to manage stained teeth. Use our Finder Tool to search for a specialist orthodontist in your area.
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The article was interesting and helpful. I’ve also heard recently that red wine can stain teeth – if this true, how does it compare with tea or coffee?
Hi Cathy,
Yes, red wine can also cause staining to the teeth. For any staining food and drinks, it all comes down to how much you’re drinking, how often you’re having it and your supporting habits, rather than the drink itself. Drink water regularly and swish it around your mouth after having tea, coffee or red wine, and be sure to brush morning and night to best protect your teeth. And if you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, brushing throughout the day and rinsing your appliance can help keep your teeth white too.
We hope this helps!
Thanks