Melbourne is serious about coffee. Everyone has their go-to order, their favourite café, and a strong opinion on whether iced coffee counts as a “real” coffee. But if you’re whitening your teeth (or thinking about it), you might be wondering which brew is most likely to stain.
The truth is, most coffees can contribute to discolouration over time. Coffee contains dark pigments and tannins that can cling to enamel, especially if you sip it slowly throughout the day. The good news is that small choices can make a difference, and you don’t necessarily have to give up your daily cup.
Why Coffee Stains Teeth
Teeth aren’t perfectly smooth. Enamel has tiny pores and natural texture, which means pigmented drinks can leave surface staining. This is more noticeable if you:
- Drink multiple coffees a day
- Sip for long periods
- Have dry mouth
- Don’t rinse with water afterwards
Espresso: Often The Best Option
If your goal is to keep teeth looking brighter, espresso usually has an advantage. It’s a small, quick shot, which means less time in contact with your teeth. While it can still stain, the shorter exposure can reduce the overall impact compared to coffees you sip over a longer stretch.
If you love a long black, consider drinking it in one sitting rather than nursing it for an hour.
Iced Coffee: Better With Milk, Not Always Better Overall
Iced coffee feels lighter, but it can still stain. The key factor is what’s in it. Milk-based coffees can dilute coffee’s staining effect because milk lightens the concentration of pigments. That can be helpful for keeping teeth brighter.
However, iced coffees are often larger and slower to drink. If you’re sipping it over a long commute or through meetings, that longer exposure can cancel out the benefit of the milk.
Drip Or Brewed Coffee: Often The Worst For Staining
Brewed coffee (including drip and batch brew) is often the biggest culprit. It’s usually served in a larger volume, and people tend to sip it slowly throughout the morning. More time sipping generally means more time for staining compounds to sit on your enamel.
Simple Tips To Keep Your Smile Brighter
Try these habits without changing your whole routine:
- Drink water after coffee
- Avoid sipping for hours
- Have coffee with a meal rather than alone
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing, especially after acidic drinks
If coffee stains are already noticeable, professional whitening may help lift them and brighten your natural shade.
Ready To Book?
If you’d like a whiter smile without giving up Melbourne’s coffee culture, book a visit at Dental & Dentures on 88 Beach. We can talk through whitening options and simple habits to help your results last.