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When you wake up in the morning, do you not feel 100% until you have finished your favorite coffee? Whether you make it at home or do a pit stop at your local café, you may relish in the liquid gold you get. However, did you know that this beverage can have an impact on your oral health? Before you imagine quitting your beloved brew, here’s what you need to know and how to enjoy it safely.
How Does Coffee Affect My Dental Health?
In short, coffee is acidic. This trait can be harmful to your teeth because it’ll slowly erode your enamel. You may be at a higher risk of cavities if you overindulge in it, since this top layer won’t be able to protect as well against harmful bacteria either.
Not only that, but many additives that people put in their cup of joe are sugary. Cream and, of course, sugar can feed the plaque in your mouth, encouraging it to produce an acid that also wears down your enamel. This double trouble can be bad news for your smile if you aren’t careful!
Albeit not a dental problem like the risks above, coffee can stain your teeth. The dark particles in your brew can get stuck in your enamel, leading to a yellow look to your grin. You may feel more self-conscious proudly showing them off to those around you.
What Can I Do to Drink Coffee Safely?
Although this liquid gold, as some may call it, affects your oral health, you don’t need to quit drinking it cold turkey! Instead, you can change your habit to make it safer to enjoy. Aside from having it in moderation, here are a couple of tips to try out:
- Drink with a straw to lower how often it touches your teeth.
- Reduce any additives, like sugar and cream, to do your best at avoiding cavities.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to help replenish lost minerals in your enamel, keeping it strong.
- Drink water between sips to wash away any particles in your mouth; that way, you can lessen your odds of stains.
You should also keep up with visits to your dentist! Not only can they ensure your teeth and enamel are strong, but they can also give you a professional whitening treatment to brighten your smile.
In the end, you don’t have to stop drinking coffee. Follow these tips and keep your oral health problem-free while you enjoy this morning beverage.
About the Practice
At Woodside Dental Care, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Derek Cornetta and Dr. Allie Martin. We are here for the Assonet community to keep their smiles in great shape and looking aesthetic! Through preventive care, we can spot oral health issues while they are minor and prevent them from becoming major. If you want to make sure your coffee habits aren’t getting in the way of a healthy grin, schedule an appointment or call our office at (508) 794-3950.