7 tips to reduce stains on teeth if you’re a coffee- or tea-drinker

Behind every successful person is… well, often a cup of coffee. Or tea, depending on what moves you.

While we can’t do without our morning booster, we also know that stained teeth is one of the pitfalls that frequent coffee- and tea-drinkers face.

Want to prevent your pearly whites from yellowing without giving up your daily cup (or cups!) of joe? Read on because we have very practical tips to share that are easy to follow.

1. Go for a lighter beverage

Coffee and tea have the ability to stain teeth because they contain tannins, which are also a form of natural dye for fabrics.

Black coffee and tea contain more tannins and are more likely to stain your teeth. If you still want to enjoy your beverage, consider reducing the intensity of your drink by adding milk to it or going for a weaker dose.

Wean yourself off those double shots or switch from black tea to a floral tea or green tea. Also, avoid steeping your tea for too long.

2. Drink through a straw

Drinking through a straw allows you to swallow your coffee or tea directly, reducing its contact with your teeth.

We know that this can be very weird especially if you usually drink hot beverages, but trust us, it only takes some getting used to!

Make this a habit by bringing along a reusable straw all the time to reduce the environmental impact. This also serves as a reminder for you to use it.

3. Drink water in between sips

Alternating between sips of coffee or tea and water helps dilute the tannins while washing it down, preventing it from lingering on your teeth.

This can also reduce the chance of bad breath and dry mouth from coffee-drinking!

4. Rinse your mouth after drinking

If you have no time for #3 and need to finish your beverage quickly, do a thorough rinse when you’re done as a way to wash out any tannins that may be left on your teeth.

5. Use a stain-dissolving toothpaste

Pick out a toothpaste that is formulated for stain-dissolving. And if you’re looking for one, try the Darlie All Shiny White Supreme Enzyme Toothpaste.

In Fresh Mint and Floral Mint variants, this whitening toothpaste offers 5x stain dissolvability power, thanks to the inclusion of two natural enzymes – Papain and Glucanase – in its formula.

These enzymes help break down tough stains into small particles, allowing you to brush them away easily, revealing your shiny white teeth instead!

It starts whitening your teeth from the first use, and users see noticeable results after seven days. This stain-fighter also prevents future stain up to 90% by forming a high density protective layer over your tooth surfaces to keep build-up at bay. Pretty impressive!

In fact, the All Shiny White Supreme Enzyme Toothpaste is what Chinese actor-and-singer and new Darlie ambassador Xiao Zhan attributes to for his amazing smile. We’re definitely taking a leaf out of his book!

Darlie All Shiny White Supreme Enzyme Toothpaste retails for S$6.30 and is available at all major supermarkets, Guardian, Watsons, as well as Darlie Official stores on Shopee and Lazmall. Find out more about the product on the Darlie website.

6. Make flossing part of your routine

Flossing is a part of the oral health routine that many tend to neglect.

Besides helping to get plaque out from below the gum line, it also helps to prevent stains that are on the edges of your teeth, which are harder to remove through brushing.

7. Visit your dentist

It’s great that you’re already caring for your teeth regularly through conscientious brushing with a good toothpaste. However, you’ll still need a more thorough cleaning with a professional once in a while. Think of it as a “facial” for your teeth!

Your dentist will also perform an oral examination that can help pick up any serious oral health problems before they get too serious and can still be treated. As a preventive measure, you should see your dentist every six months.

Here’s your sign to book your next appointment if you haven’t!

This article is brought to you by Darlie.