5 Ways Dentists Keep Coffee From Staining Their Teeth

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.

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.

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.

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.