One of the most popular beverages in the United States is coffee, with about half of all American adults enjoying this drink regularly. From warm mugs to quick iced drinks, many individuals have made coffee a staple in their daily routine.
However, coffee can have a negative impact on the health and appearance of your teeth in many ways. Dr. Sahil Goyal, a dentist in Frederick, MD, describes how you can protect your oral health while drinking coffee.
Avoid Tooth Discoloration
Coffee gets its dark color from substances called tannins, which can absorb into tooth enamel and leave stains on your teeth. These stains cannot be removed with your usual oral hygiene practices.
Selecting a lighter-colored brew or adding milk to your drink might lower the risk of tooth discoloration when drinking coffee, but it will not eliminate this possibility. To preserve your tooth color, you should enjoy coffee in moderation. If you notice staining, yellowing, or discoloration in your teeth, you can ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatment.
Skip Added Sugar
Coffee tastes bitter on its own, so many coffee enthusiasts add sugar to this beverage to enhance its flavor. Sugar is notoriously bad for your teeth because it interacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic.
This acid then eats away at tooth enamel, causing dental problems like tooth decay. Once enamel thins or weakens, it cannot regrow. Dentists recommend avoiding added sugar wherever possible, including in your cup of coffee.
Stay Hydrated
Coffee drinkers often appreciate the boost of caffeine that comes with a cup of coffee. But caffeine has the potential to dehydrate you, which can be dangerous for your overall wellbeing, including your oral health.
Low hydration levels can give you dry mouth, which allows bacteria to spread easily across your teeth and gums, raising your risk for oral infections like gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other major dental issues. For this reason, you should drink plenty of water with coffee.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment Today in Frederick, MD
Frederick Center for Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients of all ages. Dr. Goyal is an expert dentist, also specializing in restorative and general dentistry in Frederick, MD. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 301-264-5680.