Many people like to drink coffee, but this popular beverage can cause unattractive tooth discoloration and other oral issues over time. To enjoy this drink while keeping your smile bright and healthy, follow these tips from leading dentists.

How to Take Care of Your Teeth as a Coffee Drinker

1. Drink Coffee With Milk

Adding milk to your coffee may dilute its flavor, but it's an excellent way to reduce stains. Most teeth discoloration occurs from black coffee because it's dark enough to seep into tiny pores within teeth, and its acid can weaken enamel. By adding milk, cream, or even ice cubes, you'll lighten the beverage, reduce the acid, and protect your teeth.

2. Use a Straw

When you drink through a straw, the liquid will enter your mouth without making contact with your teeth. Though putting a straw in your mug might seem unusual, it's an effective way to protect your teeth against unsightly stains.

3. Brush Your Teeth After Drinking

One of the best ways to combat coffee stains on teeth is to brush them immediately after drinking to remove traces of the liquid and prevent them from settling on the enamel. This practice may work best if you enjoy coffee at home because brushing while at work or on the go can be impractical. In these cases, while rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash isn't as effective as brushing, it'll help rid your mouth of leftover coffee.

4. Get a Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening products, including over-the-counter toothpaste, pens, and strips with whitening properties, can help prevent dental stains from occurring. However, for the best outcome, you should visit a dentist for teeth whitening treatments. These won't provide lasting results if you continue drinking coffee without taking other steps to prevent discoloration, but it’ll be a quick fix.

If you love coffee but need to remove unsightly stains, reach out to the dentists at Anderson Dental Group. With locations in Salisbury and Mooresville, NC, the staff at this comfortable and inviting dental office offer everything from routine checkups to cosmetic services to improve every patient’s oral health. To schedule an exam at one of their convenient locations, call (704) 663-3300 for Mooresville and (704) 636-3611 for Salisbury, or visit them online today.