Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the United States with more than half of American adults enjoying this drink regularly. Whether cozying with a warm mug or grabbing an iced drink on the go, coffee has become a staple in many people’s routines.
However, coffee can be detrimental to your oral health. Dr. Dhara Patel, a dentist in Hoffman Estates, IL, describes how you can drink coffee while keeping your teeth healthy.
Beware of Tooth Discoloration
Dark-colored beverages like coffee contain tannins that can absorb into tooth enamel and leave stains. Once these affect your teeth, they cannot be removed with traditional brushing or flossing.
Choosing a lighter-colored brew or adding milk to your beverage can lower the chance of this discoloration, but coffee should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid staining. If you notice staining, yellowing, or discoloration in your teeth, you can talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment.
Skip Added Sugar
Coffee is a naturally bitter drink, so many individuals add sugar to their beverages to enhance the taste. However, dentists often recommend avoiding sugar where possible because it can harm your teeth.
Sugar reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic and eat away at tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities or more extensive tooth decay.
Brushing your teeth removes plaque from your teeth, but the act of brushing directly after consuming sugar can weaken enamel further. This is because already thin enamel can deteriorate with the pressure and friction of teeth brushing.
Stay Hydrated
Many individuals appreciate the caffeine boost that comes with drinking a cup of coffee. Caffeine has a tendency to dehydrate you, which can be bad for many systems in your body, including oral health.
Low hydration levels can give you dry mouth, which allows bacteria to spread and potentially infect your gums. Gum disease can progress to tooth loss if left untreated. For this reason, you should drink water if you have coffee to counteract these effects.
Visit Your Dentist in Hoffman Estates, IL
Best Dental Spa offers teeth whitening from your dentist and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Hoffman Estates, IL. Dr. Patel also specializes in restorative and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 847.660.6603.
