There’s nothing quite like a cup of coffee to start off your day. For most people, it’s an integral part of their morning routine and a needed boost of energy. Drinking coffee even comes with additional health benefits; studies have found that people who drink a cup of joe every day are less likely to die from cancer, a stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. That being said, having it in excess can negatively impact your oral health. Read on to find out how your favorite morning beverage affects your smile and what you can do to prevent staining.
What Does Coffee Do to Your Smile?
Although coffee does have health benefits, overconsumption can do more harm than good to your smile. Drinking it often increases oral bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to cavities, bad breath, and enamel erosion.
Additionally, you might find that your pearly whites have become stained over time. Coffee contains a type of polyphenol called tannin that causes tooth discoloration. The staining ingredients of coffee, in combination with your worn enamel, cause the deep yellow to brownish dentin below your enamel to become more visible.
Don’t worry – there’s a reason coffee remains so popular even to this day. If you just can’t live without it, you can still prevent tooth discoloration and preserve your pearly whites.
Useful Tips to Prevent Tooth Discoloration from Coffee
Avoiding coffee altogether is the best way to prevent staining, but it’s understandable if it’s just not something you can let go of in your daily routine. To help minimize the intensity of stains, try some of the following tips:
- Use a straw when drinking coffee to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Don’t sip gradually throughout the day. Instead, drink your coffee all at once.
- Hydrate with water frequently during the day.
- Rinse your mouth with water immediately after finishing your coffee.
- Brush and floss your teeth 20 to 30 minutes after drinking to allow the acid in your mouth to neutralize first.
These tips can help you avoid staining, but in general, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help protect you from any of the oral health issues that may come from overconsumption.
How Your Dentist Can Help
If your coffee stains are too stubborn or severe, your dentist can help. Your biannual professional teeth cleanings can go a long way in breaking up surface stains. If your tooth discoloration remains highly visible after seeing your dentist for a cleaning, there are still options you can try. Ask your dentist about what professional teeth whitening treatments they offer or see if you are a candidate for veneers.
You don’t have to give up starting your day with a cup of coffee. Proper dental care and seeing your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings are a surefire way to keep your pearly whites sparkling.
About the Practice
At Nu Dental of Barnegat, Dr. Admasu Gizachew and Dr. Noah Mustafa provide a comprehensive range of dental services to ensure your smile stays healthy, protected, and happy. The practice offers dental checkups, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatment, oral cancer screenings, and nightguards to preserve your oral health and prevent tooth trouble. If you’re interested in learning more about how coffee impacts your smile, contact the team at Nu Dental of Barnegat through their website or by phone at (609) 879-0036.