Whether you prefer a hot latte or a cold brew, coffee is a classic workweek pick-me-up. But while this popular beverage may wake you up, it can cause serious dental staining. Fortunately, you don’t have to ditch your caffeine boost to protect the appearance of your smile. By following these teeth whitening tips, you can help defend your teeth against coffee stains.

How to Prevent Coffee Stains on Teeth

1. Control Plaque

Plaque—a colorless film of bacteria that sticks to tooth enamel—can trap pigments and intensify coffee stains. To keep your teeth free of plaque, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. Daily flossing and routine cleanings from a dentist are also a necessary part of keeping plaque at bay.  

2. Mix in Milk

If you sweeten your drink with cavity-causing sugar or cream, consider switching to milk. Milk will help limit the amount of coffee you consume, as well as provide you with tooth-strengthening calcium.

3. Sip With a Straw

Keeping coffee away from your teeth can dramatically reduce your risk of staining. As you drink, sip with a straw to bypass your teeth. Also, don’t leave the coffee in your mouth for too long or swish around.

4. Rinse After

After your cup of coffee, drink a glass of water. Water is a tooth-friendly beverage that helps rinse away debris and bacteria that can contribute to discoloration. Since coffee can increase dehydration, drinking water will also help you avoid dry mouth—a risk factor for cavities and gum disease.

5. Consider Professional Teeth Whitening

Even when you follow the above tips, your teeth are likely to become stained due to the foods and drinks you consume, as well as natural aging. Fortunately, these surface stains can be lifted with professional teeth whitening services from a dentist. Unlike the lackluster results of at-home solutions, in-office whitening utilizes a powerful bleaching solution that works faster and can enhance brightness by several shades.

Coffee lovers who are looking for better control over their smile’s color can turn to Nizich Family Dental for advanced teeth whitening services. Providing comprehensive family dentistry services in Juneau, AK, Dr. Tony Nizich is recognized for delivering personalized care that will help you restore and protect your oral health. If you’re looking for other ways to boost the look of your smile, this provider also offers a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry services—including dental implants, veneers, Invisalign®, crowns, and bridges. To learn more about these capabilities, visit this clinic online. For an appointment with this friendly dentist, call (907) 789-7001.