Do you like to drink coffee? You’re certainly not alone. It’s estimated that Americans consume over 400 million cups of coffee per day! If you enjoy a cup o’ Joe every now and then, or if you’re part of the 62% of Americans who drink coffee every day, you should take a moment to learn about how coffee affects your dental health. From there, you can take the necessary steps to keep your smile healthy and bright while still enjoying this popular beverage.
Coffee Vs Dental Health
If you drink coffee regularly, you’ll be pleased to hear that according to a study published by the Annals of Internal Medicine, drinking a cup of coffee daily had a measurable impact on reducing risk of stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. Unfortunately, drinking too much coffee can end up causing much more harm than good! Coffee is most notorious for causing persistent bad breath and yellow-brown teeth, but its influence doesn’t stop there. Overconsumption can cause enamel erosion and tooth decay, which can lead to serious complications over time.
5 Ways to Protect Your Smile While Drinking Coffee
Fortunately, if you rely on coffee for a feel-good boost or to jump-start to your day, there are plenty of things you can do to safeguard your oral health while enjoying this drink. Here are a few of the best ways to keep coffee from negatively influencing your oral health:
- Drink your coffee with a straw to minimize exposure to the teeth
- Instead of sipping on your coffee all day, finish it in a reasonable timeframe
- Drink water along with your coffee to clear away those staining particles
- Brush your teeth about 30 minutes after finishing your cup of coffee
- Eat fibrous vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and celery to naturally curb discoloration
How Your Dentist Can Help
Make sure to visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. These quick and easy visits will give them a chance to see if your coffee consumption is causing any issues. If indications of decay or erosion are present, they can get started addressing these issues before they have the chance to become much more serious problems. Plus, a professional bi-annual teeth cleaning will buff away any surface stains coffee may have left behind. If your teeth are very discolored, they can also recommend treatments like teeth whitening, dental bonding, or veneers to help you achieve the dazzling smile you deserve.
You don’t necessarily need to give up your favorite beverage to keep your dental health on track! While you’re enjoying your coffee, simply keep these tips in mind and your smile will thank you!
About the Practice
Dr. Marc Thomas of Vista Dental Care is dedicated to providing comfortable and effective dental care for the smiles of Sparks and the surrounding communities. With a wide range of services and state-of-the-art dental technology, he and his team can help you and your family achieve optimal oral health and maintain it for life. Whether you need a quick checkup, a custom-made restoration, or are interested in cosmetic dentistry, you’ll find it all at Vista Dental Care! To learn more, we can be reached online or at (775) 626-3535.