Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the United States, with about half of American adults enjoying this drink regularly. Whether it is cozying up with a warm mug or enjoying an iced drink on the go, coffee is beloved by many individuals.
However, coffee is known to cause damage to your teeth. You can drink coffee at lower risk to your smile’s appearance with these tips from Dr. Scott Finlay, a dentist in Arnold, MD.
Dark-colored beverages like coffee contain tannins that absorb into tooth enamel and leave stains. Once absorbed, these stains cannot be removed with traditional teeth brushing.
Adding milk to your coffee or choosing a lighter-colored brew can lower the chances of tooth discoloration while drinking this beverage. If you notice staining, yellowing, or discoloration in your teeth, you can talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment to cosmetically enhance your smile.
Coffee is naturally bitter, so many people add sugar to improve the taste of their drink. Sugar reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic and eat away at tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth directly after drinking a sugary beverage can weaken enamel further because the pressure of brushing harms already thinned enamel.
Once gone, tooth enamel cannot be replaced, leaving the inner layers of your tooth exposed to potential decay, which may require restorative dental work to repair. You could experience excruciating symptoms such as tooth sensitivity too. To protect your teeth, you should skip adding sugar when you drink coffee.
Many coffee drinkers appreciate the caffeine boost that comes with a cup of this beverage. Caffeine can dehydrate you, which can cause health issues throughout your body, including your mouth.
Low hydration levels can cause dry mouth, which raises your risk of infection from bacteria in your mouth. This can lead to dental concerns like gum disease that can ultimately result in tooth loss. You should drink water whenever you enjoy coffee to avoid these issues.
Annapolis Smiles specializes in cosmetic, restorative, implant, and general dentistry. Dr. Finlay is a dentist serving patients in Arnold, MD for both routine cleanings and consultations. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 410.989.7132.
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