I’ve recently started focusing more on my appearance and want to improve my dental care. I drink a lot of black coffee in the mornings and worry it might counteract the whitening toothpaste I use. What other products can help me keep a bright white smile? I’ve heard some people use baking soda, but I’m not sure. I also just started using a motorized toothbrush. Any advice?
I’m going to share all my knowledge here, but I’ll also be reading other comments for more information.
Baking soda and other abrasives can damage your enamel over time, as can toothbrushes with hard bristles. Check toothpaste abrasiveness charts to ensure you’re not overusing highly abrasive toothpastes daily.
Abrasion helps remove plaque, but tooth color is essentially a “stain” that goes deeper into the enamel. Keep your teeth clean, but don’t try to sand them down.
The chemicals that help change the color of your teeth are hydrogen peroxide (common in whitening strips, some toothpastes, and mouthwashes, and used in professional whitening) and carbamide peroxide (a slower, gentler effect, less likely to cause sensitivity).
Combine a product with an active whitening effect with preventative measures, such as:
Brushing your teeth before eating (some say plaque makes enamel softer and helps staining ingredients reach the tooth, while freshly cleaned teeth have a smoother surface and a protective layer; I’d like to hear an expert’s opinion on this).
Reducing foods that could stain your enamel (anything that would stain a white t-shirt). If you consume such products, like coffee, don’t sip for too long; try to finish quickly.
Rinsing your mouth with water immediately after drinking coffee and waiting at least 40 minutes before brushing your teeth. The acidity softens the enamel, and brushing too soon can cause damage.
Using remineralizing gel or any product that claims to strengthen your enamel.
Hope this helps! I’ve received comments about how white my teeth are, and I’m absolutely obsessed with coffee—I drink a few cups daily and rarely use a straw. I’m also an occasional tea drinker, which stains teeth even worse than coffee. Don’t let your preferences discourage you.
Dental student here! I completely agree with everything you said. My personal rule is to use a whitening toothpaste only once a week. Whitening toothpastes tend to be more abrasive to clean and remineralize teeth. Most toothpastes labeled “whitening” include fillers to increase abrasiveness. If you’re concerned, try finding a toothpaste that doesn’t say “whitening” (like Clösys). I use Crest Gum Health with Whitening because it contains Stannous Fluoride, which has better properties for teeth, including whitening. The dissociation of stannous and fluoride particles takes about 1 minute and 40 seconds, so brushing for a normal two minutes should be sufficient.
For stain and cavity prevention, look for gum with the ADA seal, indicating it contains enough xylitol to protect your teeth.
Regarding toothbrushes, big brands often have sponsored research, making unbiased opinions difficult. I’ve used both Philips and OralB; my mouth feels cleaner with OralB, which is better for plaque but lacks the gum benefits of Philips’ vibration.
Oil pulling with cold-pressed coconut oil is another hot topic, and I’ve noticed great results.
Lastly, visit your local hygienist regularly! They can clean your teeth better than you ever could, making it easier to maintain cleanliness.
Brushing before eating is mainly important for your morning meal. You should brush first thing in the morning to remove plaque buildup from the night when saliva production is low. It’s not as crucial later in the day.
Brushing before eating is mainly important for your morning meal. You should brush first thing in the morning to remove plaque buildup from the night when saliva production is low. It’s not as crucial later in the day. And don’t forget to use a non-plastic straw! 
I’m obsessed with dental hygiene. I floss and brush 2-3 times a day and get cleanings every 6 months religiously. However, my teeth aren’t really white unless I use whitening strips. White doesn’t necessarily mean healthy; it just means white 
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Every few months, I use Crest whitening strips for about 7 days. I also use them occasionally between treatments if needed.
I use Sensodyne toothpaste to help with sensitivity from whitening. Additionally, I try to swish water or chew gum after drinking coffee or eating anything that stains.
A periodontist I follow on Instagram advised drinking coffee and tea quickly rather than sipping over an hour or more. He also recommended using a straw if you can’t break the habit.