Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on Earth, and many people love to start their day with a nice hot cup of java. Some studies have shown that more than half of American adults drink this rich, dark beverage every day, and the success of coffee shops across the country attests to its status as a cultural icon. However, many people might not be considering the effects coffee has on their teeth when they consume so much of it every day. Here are a few of the ways coffee can affect your oral health as well as a few tips to help coffee-drinkers keep smiling bright.
Coffee Can Stain Your Teeth
For many people, the dark brownish-black color of coffee is part of the pleasure of drinking it. Unfortunately, the pigments that give this beverage its distinct color can leave their mark on your teeth if you aren’t careful. This problem only gets worse if you take your joe with sugar, as this sweet ingredient can stimulate the growth of harmful bacteria that can weaken your teeth.
Coffee Can Affect Your Breath
Coffee drinkers everywhere are wary of the condition known as coffee breath. Coffee contains caffeine, a mild stimulant that helps many people wake up in the morning. Unfortunately, caffeine also causes dehydration which can limit the body’s ability to produce sufficient amounts of saliva. Saliva provides several key services to the mouth, including flushing it clean and keeping the teeth lubricated. Without adequate saliva flow, food debris can remain in the mouth for longer than usual, where it will decay and produce unpleasant odors.
How Can I Keep My Teeth Healthy When Drinking Coffee?
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to protect your smile while drinking coffee. An easy thing to do is to drink it through a straw, as this can prevent much of the liquid from making contact with your teeth. It’s also a great idea to drink water when enjoying coffee, as this will help wash it away from your mouth while keeping you hydrated enough for proper saliva flow. Lastly, it’s a great idea to brush and floss at least thirty minutes after drinking coffee.
Don’t let your coffee habit detract from the beauty of your smile! By taking a few precautions and with excellent oral health care, you can enjoy showing off a lovely smile at all of those late-night poetry readings.
About the Practice
Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton offers the most excellent oral healthcare available in Carrollton, TX. Led by Drs. Afshin Azmoodeh and Sohee Kim, the staff ensures that each patient receives personalized care so they can achieve stunning results. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on keeping your teeth safe when drinking coffee, contact the office online or dial (972) 820-7294.