It’s another beautiful morning as you wake up to the glare of the sun through your bedroom window. Like most people, you walk into the kitchen for that special cup of morning brew to help get your day started. But, have you ever stopped to think about how that cup of brew is affecting your teeth? Some may not know that drinking coffee without proper care can cause significant changes to their oral health. Here are some ways to help keep your teeth protected while still being able to enjoy your daily java.
How Does Coffee Affect Your Oral Health?
The biggest myth of coffee is that it is the direct cause of tooth decay for those that drink it regularly. This isn’t entirely true. However, it does make it easier for cavities to form in the oral cavity. Let us explain.
Is Coffee Bad For Your Teeth?
Previous studies have shown that drinking strong forms of coffee without milk, cream or sugar can actually fight the bacteria inside of the mouth that causes tooth decay. You may be a usual coffee drinker and be jumping for joy already after hearing that great news. Don’t celebrate too soon just yet. Even though coffee can help your teeth in one way, it can also hurt them in another.
Coffee is considered to be acidic according to the pH scale which shows that your average cup of coffee falls anywhere between 4.85 to 5.10. This is important because any beverage considered to be acidic can affect your tooth enamel. Your enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects and keeps your teeth healthy. When acidic beverages like coffee are consumed, they can wear away the enamel over time causing your teeth to become more sensitive which can make them more subject to oral health issues.
How Do You Prevent Coffee From Staining Your Teeth?
Like other tooth-staining beverages, such as red wine and soda, coffee contains dark pigments that attach to your enamel which can cause those pearly whites to get yellow without the right treatment. Here is how you can keep that bright smile shining:
- Rinse your mouth out with water right after finishing your coffee. Water helps to wash away those dark pigments and even the acids that occur when consuming coffee.
- Brushing your teeth helps as well but it’s important to know the proper time to do this. Brushing your teeth immediately after drinking coffee could damage your teeth due to your enamel not being as strong after consuming the coffee. Wait at least an hour to brush your teeth.
- Drink your coffee in one sitting instead of sipping it throughout the day. The longer you drink coffee throughout the day, the more you expose your enamel to staining and damage.
- Use a whitening and/or enamel-strengthening toothpaste and brush teeth regularly for at least 2 minutes.
- Simply drink less coffee or any kind of tooth-staining drinks period.
Can Dentist Remove Coffee Stains?
Absolutely! Dentists can help remove those dreaded yellow stains if you are in need of expert help on the matter. Check with your local dentist office on what kind of teeth whitening services they provide that can help brighten your smile. Make sure that you’re visiting your dentist for regular teeth cleanings to take advantage of the opportunity to protect your oral health and your dental insurance benefits.
If you are in need of proper dental care and live or work in the Atlanta area, then schedule an appointment with Promenade Dental Care in Midtown ATL! We have all your needs covered from teeth whitening to restorative services. Contact us at (404) 607-6960 and let us help you maintain that incredible smile!
Promenade Dental Care is a preventative and cosmetic dentist office based in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, GA. We practice comfortable, health-centered dentistry with a strong emphasis on getting to know each of our patients. We are careful listeners and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs. Dr. Harris and his team look forward to your visit and to show you how exceptional dentistry can improve your life.