Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. And more than half of American adults consider a cup of coffee to be a staple in their daily routine. Though its prevalence in society is clear, not many people realize that coffee could negatively impact their oral health.
But if you pay attention to your smile, you can consume your favorite beverage without hurting your teeth or gums. Keep up with your regular oral health care to maintain enough strength in your smile to fend off dental problems. And read on to find more advice from your dentist to avoid harming your oral health while you enjoy coffee.
Beware of Staining Teeth with Coffee
Coffee’s dark color comes from naturally occurring substances called tannins. When you drink coffee, tannins will transfer to your teeth and absorb into the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth. They can leave dark stains on your smile too deep for a toothbrush to scrub away.
Sipping through a straw or choosing a lighter-colored blend can reduce the risk of this dental discoloration. But these efforts will not eliminate the likelihood entirely.
So you should pay attention to your smile to ensure you do not disrupt its appearance with this habit. If you do see stains on your teeth, talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatments that can get rid of them and make your smile brighter again.
Avoid Harmful Sugar in Your Coffee
Coffee has a naturally bitter taste. So many coffee drinkers will add sugar to their cups to enhance their flavor. Though the extra sweetness may be appealing, sugar is notoriously harmful to your teeth.
Sugar becomes acidic when it reacts with saliva. And the lingering acid in your mouth will eat away at your dental structure. This weakens the teeth and makes them more susceptible to cavities and other dental problems.
While a dentist can treat a cavity, you should preserve the natural structure of your smile for as long as you can. So you should reduce risk factors like sugar consumption. Find alternative ways to adjust the way your coffee tastes that will not hurt your teeth.
Drink Water Along with Coffee
Many coffee enthusiasts appreciate the caffeine boost that comes with drinking a cup of this beverage. The energy can help you get through your busy schedule. But caffeine can also easily make you dehydrated.
Dehydration can come with many health risks, but it will also pose a threat to your oral health. You produce less saliva when you have low hydration levels, which can leave you with dry mouth. A dry oral environment will allow the natural bacteria in your mouth to spread with ease.
Then you have a higher risk of contracting oral infections like gum disease. You will need a dentist to treat this infection in the gum tissue or it could cause a great deal of damage to your smile. Drink plenty of water along with coffee to fight dry mouth and dehydration.