Coffee is an extremely popular beverage in the United States with approximately half of American adults drinking it on a regular basis. Whether iced, hot, or cold brew, many people consider coffee to be a staple in their routine.
However, coffee can impact your oral health negatively if you are not careful. Dr. Natasha Radosavljevic, a dentist in Clearwater, FL, describes actions you can take to protect your teeth while drinking coffee.
Beware of Teeth Staining
Coffee gets its dark color from a substance called tannins, which can absorb into tooth enamel over time and leave stains on the surface of your teeth. This discoloration cannot be removed with typical brushing habits.
Adding milk to your beverage, drinking through a straw, and selecting a lighter-colored brew can lower the risk of tooth discoloration from coffee, but they do not eliminate the risk. 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 tastes bitter on its own, so many coffee enthusiasts add sugar to their drink to enhance the flavor. However, sugar can harm your dental health because it becomes acidic when it reacts with bacteria in your mouth.
The acid then eats away at your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to dental problems like decay. For this reason, dentists recommend avoiding added sugar wherever possible, including in your coffee.
Drink Water Too
Many individuals appreciate the boost of caffeine that comes with a cup of coffee. This caffeine can dehydrate you, which can harm multiple systems in your body, including your mouth.
Low hydration levels decrease saliva production which can cause an unpleasant condition called dry mouth. This environment allows bacteria to spread through your mouth more easily, raising your risk for oral infections like gum disease.
Dentists can treat gum problems with periodontal therapy, but they recommend preventative care as a primary treatment. You can protect your oral health by drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day to stay hydrated, especially when you drink coffee.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment in Clearwater, FL
Dr. Radosavljevic offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Clearwater, FL. Our practice also specializes in restorative and general dentistry, including preventative teeth cleanings. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 727.360.4302.