SHEfinds | Katelyn Holland
There’s no doubt that a great smile can pull together any outfit. No matter what you’re wearing, a white smile is the ultimate accessory. A lot of people are obsessed with maintaining their pearly whites, but they don’t realize how much stress they put their teeth through on a daily basis. In fact, there’s actually one major thing you do every day that’s preventing your smile from being as white as possible. It starts with your morning cup of coffee.
Sorry java lovers, but coffee stains your teeth. If you are actively trying to keep your smile white, drinking a cup of coffee a day is extremely counterproductive. Pigments from coffee can become embedded in the cracks and ridges of your tooth enamel. This can cause permanent yellow stains on your teeth. Coffee is also highly acidic, which can break down the enamel on teeth and lead to discoloration over time. Unfortunately, coffee isn’t the only culprit. Dark-colored drinks such as tea and soda can cause damage, too.
So how do you prevent “coffee smile” but still get your caffeine is fix? Moderation is key. Try not to drink coffee throughout the day. For example, limit it to just the mornings. According to Colgate, you can prevent your teeth from staining by making sure to rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth within a half-hour of drinking coffee. Flossing is also important because it removes plaque that builds up between teeth and the gum line and attracts stains. You can also opt to drink your coffee through a straw. This will prevent coffee from getting near the visible surfaces of your teeth.
