Coffee, tea, and wine are drinks that many people enjoy. But they leave ugly stains on your teeth. If you like these drinks and want to know how to remove coffee stains from teeth, tea stains, or wine stains from teeth, this guide has answers. Many people deal with stained teeth from everyday drinks.
Understanding what causes the stains and how to remove them helps you keep your smile bright and white. This guide explains the best ways to stop stains from happening and how to remove them.
Why Do Coffee, Tea, and Wine Stain Your Teeth?
These drinks have dark colours that stick to your tooth enamel. The dark stuff in these drinks is called tannins. Tannins are very good at staining teeth.
Coffee and tea are dark and acidic. The acid makes your enamel softer, which makes it easier for stains to stick.
Wine is also acidic and dark. Red wine stains more than white wine because it is much darker.
The longer these drinks sit on your teeth, the more staining happens. If you sip slowly, the colour gets worse.
Stop Stains Before They Happen
The best way to handle teeth stain removal is to stop stains from starting.
Drink your coffee, tea, and wine quickly. Do not sip slowly. The less time the liquid touches your teeth, the less staining happens.
Use a straw when you drink. A straw keeps the liquid away from your front teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after drinking. This washes away the dark colours before they stain your teeth.
Wait 30 minutes after drinking before brushing your teeth. Your enamel gets soft from the acid. Brushing too soon can hurt your enamel.
Remove Stains at Home
Teeth whitening in SW Calgary starts with taking good care of your teeth at home.
Brush the Right Way
Use a whitening toothpaste. These have something in them that helps remove surface stains. Brush gently twice every day.
Floss Every Day
Floss removes dark stuff that gets stuck between your teeth. Do this every single day.
Use Whitening Strips
You can buy whitening strips at the store. Follow the instructions and do not use them too much.
Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Brush your teeth gently with this paste. Baking soda helps remove stains. Do this one or two times per week.
Professional Help Works Better
At a dentist in SW Calgary, professionals can remove stains that brushing at home cannot.
Professional cleaning removes stains and buildup. Your hygienist uses special tools that are much stronger than your toothbrush.
Professional whitening treatments are stronger than store-bought products. You see results faster, and the whitening is better. It will also help to remove wine stains from teeth.
Professional Whitening Options
Whitening at the Dentist’s Office
A dentist near you puts strong whitening gel on your teeth. A special light makes the gel work. You see results the same day.
Custom Trays You Use at Home
Your dentist makes trays that fit your mouth perfectly. You use professional-strength gel at home. Results happen over one to two weeks.
Make Changes to Your Life
You can reduce staining by making small changes.
Drink less coffee, tea, and wine. Or switch to drinks without caffeine and colour.
Drink water instead. Water is the best drink for your teeth.
Choose lighter drinks. White tea and white wine stain less than dark tea and red wine.
Keep Your Teeth White After Whitening
Once your teeth are white, keep them that way.
Keep brushing and flossing every day. Get professional cleanings every six months to keep your teeth bright.
When you do drink coffee, tea, or wine, use a straw. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking. This will help you remove tea stains from teeth.
Get touch-up whitening one or two times per year. This keeps your smile bright and white.
Your Bright Smile Matters
Stains from coffee, tea, and wine are preventable and removable. You do not have to have stained teeth.
At Cedarbrae Family Dental, our team does professional whitening that removes stains and makes your smile bright. We also teach you how to stop future stains. Book your whitening appointment with us today and get the bright smile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Results usually last three to six months. If you take good care of your teeth, whitening can last up to nine months. You can get touch-ups to keep your teeth white.
Will whitening hurt my tooth enamel?
Professional whitening done by a dentist is safe. Store-bought products used too much can hurt your enamel. Ask your dentist about safe whitening.
Can I whiten my teeth if they are sensitive?
Yes, your dentist can use gentler whitening. Special toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help before and after whitening.
Do whitening strips work as well as professional whitening?
Whitening strips help a little bit with mild stains. But professional whitening done by a dentist works much better and faster.
What should I avoid eating or drinking right after whitening?
Avoid dark drinks and dark foods for 24 hours after whitening. Stay away from coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark sauces. They can stain your newly whitened teeth.