September 29 is National Coffee Day, which makes it a great time to enjoy a caffeinated beverage with friends. However, drinking this dark, rich beverage without the proper precautions and oral hygiene measures can lead to unpleasant issues like dental stains and tooth decay. Here’s a quick overview of the risks of drinking coffee and how you can keep your smile in great shape when enjoying a cup.
Coffee Can Cause Dental Stains
For many people, the rich, dark color of coffee is one of the chief pleasures of drinking the beverage, but the pigments and tannins that give this liquid its lovely brown shade can lead to unsightly dental stains if you are not careful. These stain-causing chemicals can become stuck in your enamel if you drink coffee too frequently or without cleaning your teeth adequately afterward, leaving your smile with a distracting yellowish or brownish shade.
Coffee Can Dehydrate You
Caffeine is the mild stimulant in coffee that helps many people enjoy a quick burst of energy after drinking a cup, but it also has a slight dehydrating effect. This can leave the body without enough water to maintain adequate saliva flow, which will leave the teeth unlubricated and make it easier for harmful oral bacteria to feed and multiply. This lack of saliva will also make the teeth more vulnerable to dental stains.
How Can I Protect My Smile When Drinking Coffee?
A few great ways to avoid the unpleasant potential side effects of drinking coffee include:
- Enjoying a tall glass of water alongside your coffee: This will keep you hydrated and help flush the dark beverage away from your teeth.
- Drinking through a straw: This will reduce how much your teeth are exposed to discoloring pigments and tannins.
- Enjoying coffee in moderation: Coffee can be a lovely beverage, but water should always be your primary source of hydration.
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing after drinking coffee can help eliminate lingering residues. Just be sure to wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything but water before brushing.
Don’t let your coffee habit wreck your oral health. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your teeth in great shape while you enjoy your joe.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean earned his dental degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and completes many hours of continuing education coursework each year. He is proud to be a member of the Georgia Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Covington offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about preventing dental stains, contact his office online or dial (770) 786-3915.