Coffee is one of the most popular beverages consumed around the world with approximately half of all American adults enjoying this drink regularly. Whether hot, iced, or cold brew, many individuals include coffee as a staple to their routine.
Despite its prevalence, few people recognize that this beverage could lead to dental problems if they are not careful. Dr. Michael Mulkey, a dentist in Marietta, GA, describes potential threats to your oral health that you should be aware of while drinking coffee.
Watch Out for Stains
Coffee gets its dark color from substances called tannins, which can absorb into tooth enamel over time and leave noticeable stains on the surface of your teeth. These cannot be removed with typical oral hygiene methods.
You may add milk to your drink, use a straw, or select a lighter-colored brew to lower your risk of tooth discoloration when drinking coffee. However, this does not eliminate the threat entirely. You can discuss professional teeth whitening treatment with your dentist if you notice yellowing or staining in your smile.
Skip Added Sugar
Coffee has a bitter taste on its own, so many coffee enthusiasts add sugar to their drink to enhance the flavor. Sugar is notoriously bad for your dental health because it reacts with bacteria in your mouth to become acidic.
This acid can erode enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to many dental concerns, such as tooth decay. To protect the structure of your smile, you should avoid added sugar wherever possible, including in your coffee.
Keep Hydrated
The caffeine boost that accompanies a cup of coffee is a major draw for many coffee drinkers. However, caffeine can dehydrate you, leading to negative effects throughout your body, including your mouth.
Low levels of hydration decrease saliva production, leaving you with dry mouth. This environment allows bacteria to better spread across your teeth, increasing your risk for infection of your gums. Gum disease can ultimately lead to major dental issues like tooth loss. To keep your mouth healthy, you should drink water with your coffee.
Visit Your Dentist in Marietta, GA
Lost Mountain Dental offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental treatments to patients in Marietta, GA. Dr. Mulkey also specializes in restorative and general dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with us, contact our practice online or reach us by phone at 678.212.1280.