Combatting Coffee-Stained Teeth | Family Dentistry, Wichita, Kansas

One of the easiest ways to avoid coffee-stained teeth is to drink your morning beverage through a straw. While this might not be the most satisfying way to enjoy your cappuccino or latte, it prevents the coffee from having direct contact with your teeth and allows less exposure, resulting in less staining. If you can’t seem to enjoy your warm brew with a straw, try switching to an iced coffee and wait to see results!

While drinking through a straw can reduce the intensity of tooth discoloration, it will not completely remove stains from the teeth. The best practice for all individuals, coffee drinkers or not, is to brush the teeth twice daily with an electric toothbrush. At Cambridge Family Dentistry in Wichita, Kansas, we recommend investing in an electric toothbrush to help fight against stains, make your gums strong and healthy, and prevent tooth decay. Remember, only use whitening toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, and do not brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything acidic as that will weaken tooth enamel and cause staining.

Like everything else, coffee is okay to drink in moderation. You can still drink coffee and maintain a healthy and bright smile, but it is beneficial to monitor your daily coffee intake and reduce your amount to no more than two cups per day. Additionally, avoid creamer and sugar as they speed up the growth of discoloring bacteria, and drink your coffee in one sitting instead of small sips throughout the day to help prevent bacteria buildup. Drinking a glass of water after drinking your morning coffee, before brushing your teeth, will also help avoid intense coffee stains and avoid weakened tooth enamel!

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and want to add an immediate sparkle to your smile, consult with your dentist about professional teeth whitening services. Professional teeth whitening is a fast and effective way to brighten your smile and improve the appearance of tooth discoloration. At Cambridge Family Dentistry in Wichita, Kansas, we offer custom take-home bleach trays, prescription-strength Crest Whitening Strips, and Opalescence to meet your teeth whitening needs!