If you’re like most people, you count on coffee getting you up and going in the morning. Tooth stains are an unfortunate consequence of regular coffee consumption, and often, only a teeth whitening treatment from your dentist can resolve it. Luckily, you don't have to stop drinking it. By making a few modifications, you can safely enjoy your daily cup of joe.

How to Prevent Coffee Stains

1. Rinse & Brush

The powerful tannins in coffee are responsible for staining teeth. The longer they sit, the further they’ll seep into porous enamel. Prevent this by rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth at least an hour after. The wait time will keep you from wearing away your dental enamel after it’s weakened by the acid in coffee. Aim to eat breakfast beforehand as well so you can remove any food still stuck in your mouth.

2. Use Milk

If you aren’t already using milk or creamer, consider adding it to your coffee. The protein inside milk attaches to tannins so that they don’t have a chance to sit on your teeth. Milk is also rich in calcium that will help fortify enamel and strengthen teeth. This only applies to animal milk, so keep that in mind if you’re a fan of almond or soy. Make sure you aren’t using any flavored or sugar-heavy milk, as they can fuel harmful bacteria and lead to tooth decay that requires treatment from a dentist.

3. Use a Straw

To truly avoid stains, you need to minimize the amount of coffee your teeth are exposed to. Do this by drinking it through a straw. Coffee will move past most of your teeth, most importantly, those in the front that you don’t want stained. Just be careful not to burn yourself, as you may need treatment from a dentist to resolve oral injuries.

If you’re overdue for a teeth whitening session or dental exam, turn to the professionals at Katz Family Dentistry. They’ve served Webster, NY, for over 30 years, and you can count on a dentist working closely with you to ensure you achieve a healthy, radiant smile. Dentist Dr. Jeffrey R. Katz offers services ranging from general to cosmetic dentistry—all of which you can explore on his website. To schedule a teeth cleaning appointment or speak with an associate, call (585) 671-2340 today.