If you’re one of the estimated 75 percent of American adults who drink coffee each week, you likely already know that if you’re not careful, your delicious cup of joe could leave behind unsightly discoloration that darkens your smile. Here’s a closer look at how coffee can affect your oral health, and what you can do to remove stubborn stains from this popular perk-up!
Coffee and Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it’s not invincible. If you’re not careful, it can chip or crack, and if you drink a lot of coffee or other acidic beverages, it can become worn down, leaving your teeth vulnerable to sensitivity, cavities, damage, and discoloration. Thus, if you are a regular coffee drinker, be sure to drink plenty of water with your cup of joe and rinse your mouth out with more when you’re done. This will help keep your teeth clear of harmful acid, so your enamel stays stronger, longer.
Coffee and Oral Cancer
Oral cancer strikes around 54,000 people each year in the United States, but studies have shown that coffee can help. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, people who drink four or more cups a day are 49 percent less likely to die of oral cancer than those who drink none!
Coffee and Oral Bacteria
Oral bacteria can cause plaque that can easily lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease, but that daily coffee could help. According to researchers, the polyphenols in java have an antibacterial effect that kills the oral bacteria responsible for many of these oral health problems!
Coffee and Tooth Stains
Finally, though harmless, coffee is notorious for causing stains and discoloration on your teeth. Though it can be prevented by regularly drinking water with your coffee and brushing and flossing well after, if you suffer from stains that have accumulated over time, there are many cosmetic dentistry options available to help, such as professional teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic dental bonding. If you have healthy teeth and aren’t ready to give up your daily joe, speak to your dentist about how you can whiten your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry!
Remember, if you’re not careful, drinking coffee can weaken and discolor your teeth, but its many oral health benefits often outweigh the risks. Thus, if you’d still like to indulge in this delicious favorite but don’t want to deal with the unsightly stains that go with it, speak to your dentist today about your cosmetic dentistry options, so you can have your coffee, and drink it too!
About Our Practice
At Sweet Smiles Dental Design, our trio of talented dentists work together to help Castle Rock families reveal their whitest, brightest smiles. Whether you need an exam and cleaning, a restorative procedure, or you’d like to remove unsightly stains from that daily cup of coffee, we’re ready to assist you!
To schedule a cleaning and exam or a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 303-688-9519.