5 Ways Dentists Keep Coffee From Staining Their Teeth

POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Coffee has some serious perks, beyond the obvious. Research shows that it may lower your risk for diabetes and heart disease and even help you live longer. But it can also be damaging to your teeth. "As a general rule of thumb, anything your mom would yell at you for spilling on a white tablecloth (things like coffee, tea, and red wine) will stain your teeth, too," Dr. Matthew Messina, DDS, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association and assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, told POPSUGAR. That's because all of these staining substances contain tannins — compounds found in plants that more readily stick to surfaces, including your teeth.

The good news: your dentist doesn't expect you to stop drinking coffee — in fact, a lot of them drink it themselves — and if you practice good oral hygiene, staining should be a nonissue. Here, coffee-loving dentists share their tips on how to enjoy a cup without messing up those pearly whites.

01
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
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Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

When it comes to preventing coffee stains, simply remembering to brush goes a long way. Dr. Messina recommends brushing twice a day, morning and night. If you're having a cup of coffee and can wait to brush until after you've finished, that's even better. And don't forget to floss at least once a day to remove plaque, a common culprit of teeth stains.

02
Drink Water Immediately After
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Drink Water Immediately After

The next best thing to a toothbrush is a tall glass of water. "If you're not able to brush, rinsing with water and spitting it out or even just drinking it will help get surface materials off the teeth," Dr. Messina said. The more water you drink, the less time your teeth are exposed to the coffee and its tannins.

03
Sip, Don't Swish
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Sip, Don't Swish

Dr. Alice Boghosian, DDS, ADA spokesperson and clinical instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, keeps her teeth white by making sure coffee (and all its sugary counterparts) aren't swished around in her mouth. This keeps the staining agents found in coffee from finding their way onto your teeth, where they can lead to plaque buildup and stains, she told POPSUGAR.

04
Use a Straw
Pexels | Sam Nam

Use a Straw

Similarly, Dr. Boghosian recommends drinking through a straw. While your back teeth may fall victim to staining, a straw helps move liquid past your front teeth, which are more visible when you smile and talk. "A straw will help coffee go straight down, as opposed to moving around in your mouth," Dr. Boghosian said.

05
Skip the Sugar
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Skip the Sugar

Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your gums and teeth, Dr. Messina said. Enjoy everything in moderation, but if you're nervous about your morning coffee habit starting to yellow your teeth, you might want to pour your roast black. Sugars have a tendency to latch onto teeth easily, which can lead to staining and tooth decay if not removed thoroughly by brushing.