More than half of all American adults drink at least one cup of coffee every day. Though it is a major staple in many individuals’ daily lives, people may not realize that coffee can be detrimental to your oral health.
You do not have to give up your favorite beverage in order to protect your smile, however, if you follow guidelines from your dental professional. Dr. Brian Sang, a dentist located in Florence, SC, lists three oral health concerns that may arise if you drink coffee regularly.
How Does Coffee Impact My Oral Health?
Stain Formation on Your Teeth
Coffee gets its dark color from tannins, substances that can absorb into the enamel of your teeth, creating stains on their surfaces. This discoloration cannot be removed with your typical teeth brushing and flossing regimens.
You can lower the risk of staining your smile from coffee by adding milk to your beverage, choosing a light-colored brew, or sipping through a straw. However, this will not eliminate the chances of discoloring your teeth entirely.
Dentists recommend enjoying coffee in moderation to best protect your teeth color. If you spot yellowing, staining, or dullness in your smile, you can ask your dental professional about teeth whitening treatment that will enhance the appearance of your teeth.
Heightened Risk of Cavities
Coffee has a bitter flavor naturally, so many coffee drinkers will add sugar to their beverage to make it sweeter and taste better. But sugar can harm the structure of your smile. It reacts with the natural bacteria in your mouth to become acidic.
The acid can erode the enamel of your teeth, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities. Though your dentist can treat cavities with a dental filling, you can save time and money by following preventative oral health care guidelines from your dentist. This entails avoiding added sugar wherever possible, including in your coffee cup.
Dry Mouth and Periodontal Concerns
Many coffee fans appreciate the boost of caffeine that accompanies a cup of coffee, but caffeine can dehydrate an individual if they are not careful. Low hydration levels can negatively impact your wellbeing, including in your mouth.
Dehydration can cause lower saliva production and leave you with dry mouth. This condition is unpleasant but can also heighten your risk of oral infections like gum disease. Advanced periodontal disease can cause severe damage to your smile such as tooth loss.
Drinking water along with your coffee can prevent these dental concerns. Dentists and other medical professionals agree that you should drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day to stay hydrated.
Get More Oral Health Tips from Your Florence, SC Dentist
Palmetto Smiles offers professional teeth whitening services and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients of all ages. Dr. Sang is a highly qualified dentist practicing in Florence, SC who also specializes in general and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our staff by phone at 843.203.5155 or reach our office online.