September 29th is National Coffee Day in the United States, and it’s a day well worth celebrating if you’re one of the many adults who rely on a hot cup of joe to wake you up in the morning. However, you need to be careful; drinking coffee too frequently could lead to a number of dental issues. To help you enjoy National Coffee Day to the fullest and protect your smile at the same time, here’s a closer look at how coffee can impact oral health and what you can do to prevent problems.
How Coffee Affects Your Smile
Like many beverages, coffee is somewhat acidic, which means it can gradually erode the enamel protecting your teeth. Over time, this erosion can make your enamel thinner and thinner, leaving you with teeth that are more sensitive than normal. As a result, you may experience discomfort when consuming anything that’s particularly hot or cold.
Furthermore, if you put sugar in your coffee, it could increase your risk for cavities. Harmful bacteria in your mouth can feed on sugar and create acid as a byproduct. These acids can eat away at your enamel and cause cavities to form.
Finally, it should be noted that coffee contains tannins, which can cause color compounds to adhere to your teeth. Consequently, drinking too much coffee can stain your teeth over time, giving them a yellowish appearance.
How Can You Enjoy Coffee While Protecting Your Smile?
If you don’t want to give up coffee altogether, then it’s important to take whatever steps you can to minimize the impact it has on your teeth. Below are some tips that can help you keep your smile safe while drinking coffee:
- Limit your exposure. It’s best to only drink coffee at specific times during the day, such as during breakfast.
- Once you’re done with your coffee, take the time to rinse your mouth out with water. This allows you to wash the coffee off your teeth instead of letting it linger.
- Drink your coffee through a straw instead of straight out of the cup. Doing so will reduce the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots and apples. These kinds of foods can clean your teeth and help get rid of coffee particles that could lead to staining.
As long as you follow the tips above and continue to visit your dentist twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to continue to enjoy coffee while maintaining a healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Greenwood earned his dental degree at The Ohio State University, and he has completed residencies in General Practice Dentistry and Primary Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Cleveland, OH. He has been operating Greenwood Dental in Sagamore Hills since 1998, and he’s proud to be able to offer his patients high-quality preventive care as well as various other services. If you’re worried about the health of your smile, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenwood by visiting his website or calling (330) 467-2522.