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Everyone knows that a hot cup of coffee in the morning doesn’t leave you with the freshest breath. However, this popular caffeinated beverage causes a lot more than a simple case of halitosis. Given enough time, your average mug of joe can have a significant effect on your pearly whites and your oral health. Your Highland Parks dentist explains how that cup of coffee is influencing your smile and what you can do about it.
1.) Stains Enamel
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you may have noticed that your teeth don’t shine as brightly as they used to. Beverages like coffee, tea, and wine contain ingredients called tannins. This brownish substance can coat your teeth and cause other dark-colored compounds to stick there as well. Although the particles can be removed, they can leave behind a stubborn yellow hue in your smile.
2.) Causes Cavities
Studies from the National Coffee Association report that 65% of coffee drinkers prefer to add milk and/or sugar to their drinks. Unfortunately, these delicious added flavors and creamers are brimming with sugars that your oral bacteria use to create cavities. Coffee increases your risk of tooth decay even more is you slowly sip it throughout your morning.
3.) Weakens Teeth
Coffee is an acidic beverage. Just like the acids produced by your oral bacteria, it is strong enough to burn through your enamel. The more often coffee comes into contact with your teeth, the more enamel erosion it causes. This leads to weakened teeth, which are susceptible to a host of issues like sensitivity, breaking, decay, and infection.
How to Enjoy Your Smile & Your Coffee
Thankfully, there are ways you can protect your smile without giving up your favorite morning beverage entirely. To minimize the harmful effects of coffee, try:
- Drinking all your coffee in one sitting instead of over a long period of time.
- Cutting back on how much caffeine you drink and limiting the amount of sugar you use.
- Drinking a glass of water after finishing to wash away lingering particles.
- Try using a straw to reduce contact between your coffee and teeth.
- Waiting 30 minutes after finishing your coffee before brushing your teeth.
If drinking coffee is a big part of your morning routine, you may be damaging your smile. Instead, practice healthier habits like eating fruits, drinking water, and brushing your teeth for two minutes to start your day off right.
About the Author
Whether you need a thorough cleaning, help breaking bad habits, or a professional teeth whitening, Dr. Girish Sandadi of Highland Smiles Dental in Dallas, TX can get your oral health back on track. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor as well as an active member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you need help removing coffee stains from your smile, he offers both in-office and take-home professional whitening treatments. To learn more, feel free to contact him via his website or at (214) 528-9990.