Beware! Coffee can harm your teeth and make them yellow

While most of us just cannot live without our daily dose of caffeine, not many know that this stimulant, that is such a boon for our minds, can become a bane for our teeth. 

Dark-coloured drinks and beverages are known to cause stains on the teeth, much like they leave a repulsive stain on your clothes if they happen to spill. The sight of yellow teeth is not only an eyesore, but it also says a lot about your hygiene levels. 

Not to say that you need to give up your daily cup of coffee. But it is necessary to know that some basic corrective measures are needed to prevent the coloured beverage from latching on to your teeth:
n Limit the intake of coffee to one or two cups daily. n Wash your mouth regularly. After every cup of coffee, immediately wash your mouth thoroughly, or brush your teeth, if you’re at home. n Use salt to give cover to your tooth enamel. After every meal, take a cup of lukewarm water, add a small quantity of salt to it and use it to rinse your teeth. n If you must drink coffee, then it’s best to have a cup in between meals. n Make it a point to visit a dentist once a year to get your teeth examined for potential problems. Do not wait for problems to start. 
(The writer is senior dental surgeon, Axiss Dental, Bangalore)