Everyone wants to have a bright smile. However, people who enjoy a daily cup of coffee will have a more difficult time achieving this goal, as the beverage causes stains. Luckily, you can prevent these blemishes from appearing with the teeth cleaning measures outlined below.

How to Enjoy Coffee Without Staining Your Teeth

1. Use a Straw

Drinking coffee straight out of the cup means the liquid directly touches your teeth. When this occurs, the organic compounds in the drink, known as tannins, cause discoloration. Using a straw helps the beverage bypass your teeth. While this isn’t a foolproof option, the enamel will receive considerably less exposure to coffee.

2. Brush and Floss After Drinking

If you drink coffee every morning, the compounds in the beverage will settle on the enamel’s surface and cause discoloration. However, this issue can be prevented by practicing your morning teeth cleaning routine. Brushing and flossing 30 minutes after consuming the drink will help avoid discoloration.

People also often consume this beverage at work or school. In these situations, they don’t always have the option to brush their teeth. If you are a heavy coffee drinker, keep a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag. After having a few cups, you can head to the restroom and clean your teeth. If you don’t have these tools, rinsing with water will also help eliminate the components that contribute to stains.

3. Choose a Drink With Less Caffeine

For many people, the entire point of drinking coffee is for the energy-boosting effect of caffeine. However, this substance is what most contributes to discoloration because it contains tannins. If you’re concerned about stained teeth, make your teeth cleaning routine easier by switching to a decaffeinated beverage. 

If you have stained teeth due to drinking coffee, visit Steven A. Kumasaka, DDS, in Kaneohe, HI. Families throughout Windward Oahu have trusted this clinic for their dental needs, from routine teeth cleaning procedures to whitening treatments. Visit their website for more information on their cosmetic dentistry services, and call (808) 247-2240 to make an appointment.