Do you like to start your mornings with a hot cup of coffee or cold brew? You might head to your favorite café while on your commute or make it right at home, but it’s a habit you don’t want to break. Next month on September 29th, National Coffee Day will be in full swing, so you should take some time to celebrate. However, this beverage can be trouble for your smile if you aren’t careful. Here’s how you can enjoy it safely.
What Can Coffee Do to My Smile?
As a quick refresher, coffee can be trouble for your oral health because it’s acidic and sugary. The longer it comes into contact with your enamel, the more eroded this layer of your teeth can be. When it becomes weaker, then you’ll likely experience sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
While this can be frustrating, this morning beverage also increases your risk of cavities. The sugar and other sweet additives you put into your cup can feed bacteria in your mouth. They produce an acid that dissolves the outer layer of your grin. So, there’s double the trouble when it comes to decay!
Stains are another possibility. While they aren’t a health concern, they can simply make you self-conscious. Brushing may not fully clear them, but you can remove discoloration with a professional teeth whitening treatment.
How Can I Safely Enjoy My Daily Dose of Coffee?
Although coffee can harm your smile if you aren’t careful, you don’t have to quit drinking it. Instead, you should change your habit to avoid any problems. These are a few tips you can try:
- Limit how many cups you have in a day.
- Use a straw to reduce contact time with your teeth.
- Rinse with water afterward to wash away staining and sugar particles.
- Reduce the amount of additives you put in to prevent cavities.
Making the right changes at home can go a long way in protecting your smile, but don’t forget about your dentist. By having routine visits, they can monitor your oral health and track any changes. If anything is worrying, you can get it sorted out before they cause bigger problems. That way, you can keep showing off a strong grin while you enjoy your favorite brew.
About the Author
Dr. Tonie Lewis earned her dental degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry. She is here to help patients in Allen strengthen their teeth and gums through preventive care and specialized treatments. By catching issues early with advanced diagnostic tools, she can help keep your smile worry-free. If you are due for your next checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment or call her office at 972-954-9728.