For many, coffee is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. If you want to maintain a luminous smile, though, your daily cup—or three—could be holding you back. The most effective way to stop coffee from staining your teeth is to avoid drinking the aromatic brew altogether. If that’s not an option, though, your dentist can remove any discoloration using professional teeth whitening. Then, you can maintain the results by doing the following. 

3 Tips for Drinking Coffee Without Staining Your Teeth 

1. Alternate Coffee & Water

Taking a sip of water after every sip of coffee will prevent tannins from lingering on the surface of the teeth. Tannins are the natural chemical compounds found in beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine that cause tooth staining.  

2. Floss Daily 

The edges of the teeth are more prone to staining and discoloration because that’s where plaque accumulates first. If you do not floss daily, this plaque, which is porous, will absorb everything you eat and drink—including dark beverages like coffee—and cause staining. Brushing twice a day and visiting a dentist every six months for a professional cleaning will also prevent plaque and tartar from building up between the teeth. 

3. Drink It Quickly

Sipping your favorite blended espresso drink all morning long may be the perfect pick-me-up, but it could be contributing to tooth discoloration. The longer it takes to finish a single cup of coffee, the longer your teeth are exposed to its tannins, increasing the chances of staining. 

If your smile is stained from years of drinking coffee, a dentist at Four Corners Dental Group will be happy to discuss the various ways to restore your pearly whites. With two offices in Alaska, they make it easy to get quality cosmetic dentistry care. They also provide comprehensive preventive and restorative services for patients of all ages. Whether you need a simple teeth cleaning session or root canal treatment, you can rely on their friendly team for affordable dental care. To make an appointment with a dentist in Anchorage, call (907) 258-3384, or dial (907) 376-2790 to schedule a visit in Wasilla.