Coffee is such an incredibly popular beverage that September 29 is known as National Coffee Day in the United States and Canada. While this brown beverage is an essential part of the morning routines of millions of people, it can pose certain risks to your oral health if you are not careful. Here’s a guide to the dental dangers of drinking coffee as well as a few tips for keeping your teeth safe when enjoying your java.
Coffee Can Cause Dental Stains
While it’s fairly common knowledge that highly acidic beverages like soda, juice, and red wine can cause serious dental damage if you drink too much of them, many are unaware of coffee being slightly acidic. While coffee is not nearly as harsh on the teeth as many other beverages, its acidity makes the enamel more vulnerable to the pigments, tannins, and dyes it contains. Frequently exposing your teeth to coffee can cause them to develop unsightly yellow dental stains that can be difficult to remove.
How Can I Keep My Teeth Pretty While Drinking Coffee?
Thankfully, there are a few effective measures you can take to ensure that your smile stays bright and shiny when enjoying coffee. Several of these are:
- Enjoy coffee in moderation: Drinking coffee as a primary source of hydration greatly increases the likelihood of dental stains. Water should always be your go-to beverage.
- Enjoy your coffee with water: Drinking a glass of water alongside your coffee will help wash the brown liquid away from your teeth while also keeping you hydrated enough for proper saliva flow. This will prevent the stain-causing agents in coffee from remaining in contact with your teeth for too long as well as “coffee breath.”
- Drink your coffee through a straw: Using a straw while drinking coffee can help minimize contact between the beverage and your teeth.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene: By brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash daily, you can keep your teeth clean, healthy, and strong. Brushing at least thirty minutes after drinking coffee is a great way to mitigate the risks this beverage presents.
What If My Teeth Already Have Coffee Stains?
If you’re already noticing unsightly stains on your teeth after years of drinking coffee, your dentist may be able to help with professional teeth whitening. One of these treatments can take the form of an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home whitening kit that can be finished in about two weeks. Professional teeth whitening can lift dental stains and leave your smile up to eight shades whiter.
Don’t let your coffee habit diminish your gorgeous smile. By taking the proper precautions and following your dentist’s recommendations, you can keep your teeth in great shape while enjoying a few cups of joe every day.
About the Author
Dr. Todd Balington earned his dental doctorate at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and stays abreast of the latest developments in his field through continuing education courses. His office in Denton offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To learn more about how to keep your teeth looking great when indulging your coffee habit, contact his office online or dial (940) 383-3300.