- Best coffee spots at Yonge and Eglinton
- Why coffee stains teeth
- Tips to prevent coffee stains on teeth
- Dental services for a brighter smile
One of the best aspects of being in the Yonge Eglinton area is the number of cool, hip coffee shops that serve a wide range of flavours from around the world.
In other words, this neighbourhood is a coffee lover’s dream!
Although enjoying a cup of delicious coffee is one of life’s greatest pleasures, doing so can also stain your teeth if you are not careful to take preventative steps to protect them.
Best coffee spots at Yonge and Eglinton
When our dental team steps out for a quick caffeine fix, here are some of our favourite spots to visit:
- De Mello Coffee (2489 Yonge St.)
- Aroma Espresso Bar (2300 Yonge St.)
- Himalayan Coffee House (2552 Yonge St.)
- The Coffee Bar @ The Harp (174 Eglinton Ave. E.)
- The Social Blend (130 Eglinton Ave E.)
Be sure to try them all and try to decide which is your favourite!
Why coffee stains teeth
Like many things in life, coffee is a wonderful indulgence that can also have adverse side effects, including some on your teeth.
Over time, coffee consumption can lead to tooth discolouration and hurt oral health. This is due to the effect that coffee has on your tooth enamel, the hard outer surface that protects the soft tooth tissue underneath.
Although your tooth enamel looks smooth and flat, it is covered in tiny ridges and pits that can trap minuscule food and drink particles. The pigment naturally present in coffee that gives it its dark colour can easily become embedded in these small spaces, causing your teeth to have a yellowish appearance.
Tannins are another natural substance contained in coffee. When placed in water, these bitter and astringent polyphenols break down and change colour. This colour substance can also latch onto your tooth enamel when you drink coffee.
So far, it sounds like most of the damage coffee can cause to your teeth is entirely cosmetic. Not true! Coffee is also a very acidic drink; without preventative care, these acids can wear away at your tooth enamel, making your teeth susceptible to tooth pain and tooth decay.
Tips to prevent coffee stains on teeth
Fortunately, coffee lovers do not have to choose between their favourite beverage and having a bright, beautiful smile. With these tips, you can still enjoy the best of both worlds:
Drink your coffee with a straw
Using a straw to drink coffee prevents contact between the colour-causing substances and your teeth. This minimizes the chances of your teeth appearing yellow due to coffee consumption.
Add milk to dilute staining compounds
Putting a little milk in your coffee can help dilute its staining compounds and lessen the chance of staining. However, it is still important to rinse your mouth afterward to help wash away these compounds.
Do not sip or hold the coffee in your mouth
Many people like to savour delicious food and drinks before swallowing them. This is not the best approach for drinking coffee, as the longer it has contact with your teeth, the bigger the chance of staining. Do not swish it around – chug it down!
Rinse with water after drinking
Rinse your mouth out with water as soon as possible after finishing your coffee. This action will help get rid of staining agents before they can adhere to your teeth. It will also give your mouth a fresh, clean feeling and fight dry mouth and bad breath that drinking coffee can sometimes cause.
Wait 30 minutes to brush after consuming coffee
Coffee’s high acidity means it has the potential to soften our enamel. However, be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming it to brush your teeth, as brushing immediately before the pH of your mouth neutralizes can cause damage to the tooth.
Dental services for a brighter smile
When you feel your teeth could be a little whiter and brighter, your dentist has several options that can help boost your confidence and give you a smile you can be proud of!
These options include:
Professional teeth whitening
This safe, effective, non-invasive whitening solution involves your dentist applying a bleaching gel to the front surface of your teeth, which is then activated with a laser. Within 45 to 60 minutes, you should notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry
Although whitening treatments are very effective, your teeth may become stained again. Ask your dentist about cosmetic solutions such as bonding or veneers for a more permanent solution to give you that perfect Hollywood smile.
See your dentist for routine cleanings
Another effective way to combat stains is to visit your dentist at least two to three time per year for routine cleaning, scaling, and polishing. Your dentist will also be able to answer all of your questions and provide guidance on how to keep your teeth as white as possible.
Yonge Eglinton Dental – helping your family enjoy bright, beautiful smiles
Your neighbourhood dental team at Yonge Eglinton Dental is ready to care for your family’s oral health. Our services go beyond helping you have the brightest smile possible to ensuring your teeth and gums are strong enough to last a lifetime.
Enjoy that cup of coffee, and then make an appointment with our team to fight tooth stains and share your beautiful white smile with the world!
Learn more about how to prevent tooth stains and teeth whitening solutions from the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
The dental professionals at Yonge Eglinton Dental focus on making sure your teeth look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
