The bad news: too much coffee doesn't only lead to yellow stains, but it breaks down your enamel (the coating that protects your pearly whites.)

The good news: you don't have to completely cut out your go-to iced machiatto from your morning routine! 

By brushing after you down your cup of joe, rinsing frequently, getting regular cleanings, and cutting back on the artificial creamers/sweeteners, you can make your daily coffee far less harmful to your smile and your health.

What's wrong with coffee?

Here are the not-so-amazing aspects of your comfort drink:

• The yellow stains, obviously. 

Coffee contains tannins, a substance that helps the color compounds in coffee stick to your teeth. Brush, rinse, and floss as you might — chances are, tannins will still cling to your teeth for dear life, leaving behind that yellow discoloration we all hate so very much.

• Acid-induced breakdown of enamel

Enamel is the protective coating on your teeth. Your hourly nespresso is very acidic, thus wearing down your enamel and leaving your teeth vulnerable to disease and decay.

Any good news?

Coffee isn't all bad... there are some silver linings:

• Studies show that drinking coffee can decrease your risk of getting oral cancer.
• Another 2009 study demonstrated that those who drink an average of three cups of black coffee daily (no additives) may have fewer cavities than those who don't drink coffee

What's the final verdict?

Coffee can be a force for good — in moderation. Don't go swimming in a river of the stuff, but no need to remove it from your life either.

Beware that coffee's health benefits only come from the coffee itself; additives like creamer and sugar counteract those health benefits, so stray from those if possible (try milk or honey!).

There are also some more steps you can take to keep your teeth clean:

• Rinse and brush after every cup of coffee
• Schedule regular cleanings (see here)
• Use a straw
• Try some teeth-whitening treatments (see here)

And that's it fellow coffee lovers!