To many people, you can’t beat a hot cup of coffee to get the day started. It gives you the energy to hit the ground running. Coffee also has valuable health benefits. A study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals who drink a cup of coffee a day are 12 percent less likely to die from cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart diseases.
However, there are still concerns when it comes to drinking coffee frequently. Overconsumption can have negative effects on your dental health. Read on to find out how this morning drink can affect your teeth and what you can do to protect them from your dentist in Altavista.
What Impact Does Coffee Have on My Teeth?
Most people look forward to enjoying a warm, delicious cup of coffee every morning, but too much can have adverse effects on your oral health. A daily cup of joe increases your risk of cavities and can contribute to bad breath. It also helps bacteria in the mouth create acid, which leads to enamel erosion.
Enamel serves as the protective layer of the teeth and is partially responsible for the color of your smile. When it becomes thin, it makes dentin more visible, resulting in yellow teeth. Additionally, merely drinking coffee can cause tooth discoloration.
Why Does Coffee Stain Teeth?
Coffee contains tannins, which are the culprit in tooth discoloration. Tannins are a class of astringent, polyphenolic biomolecules that break down in water and can also be found in beverages like tea and wine (both well-known for staining). Three types of tooth discoloration can occur:
- Extrinsic tooth discoloration: Refers to the discoloration of the enamel. It’s often caused by consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, wine, soda, and tea. Smoking is another factor that stains the outer layer of the teeth.
- Intrinsic tooth discoloration: It affects dentin, the inner structure of the tooth. Dental trauma, overexposure to fluoride, and the use of tetracycline antibiotics at a younger age are just a few causes of intrinsic discoloration.
- Age-related tooth discoloration: It is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic causes. As we get older, our dentin naturally turns yellow, and our enamel gets thinner.
How Can I Minimize Tooth Staining Due to Coffee?
Even though quitting coffee cold turkey is the best way to avoid staining, it’s not a feasible solution for most people. Here are some tips and tricks to minimize the intensity of stains:
- Drink your coffee all at once rather than sipping.
- Rinse your mouth with water immediately after you finish your cup of joe.
- Use a straw when drinking to minimize contact with teeth.
- Wait 30 minutes after drinking to allow the acid in your mouth to neutralize. Then, brush and floss your teeth to reduce stains.
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, be sure to follow these tips to prevent staining. Above all, proper dental care and regularly visiting your dentist in Altavista are the best way to maintain your bright, beautiful smile.
About the Practice
At Miller & Wolf Family Dentistry, excellent customer service is the name of the game, as your needs and comfort are prioritized. Experts provide comprehensive services at reasonable prices. We welcome patients of all ages and all dental insurance so that it’s easy to get the most out of your benefits. Do the best you can to follow these tips if you drink coffee, but if your teeth still get stained for any reason, we can help with at-home teeth whitening kits. Or if you just want some help in the form of a dental cleaning and exam, schedule an appointment on our website or call (434) 324-8241.