Coffee is a wonderful drink that has an exquisite taste, energizes in the morning, and helps you feel more alert. Many people drink coffee immediately after waking up, and some people also consume this beverage throughout the day.
Although coffee can be beneficial, it does not have a very good effect on the condition of the teeth. The drink contains harmful substances that can lead to cavities and stain teeth.
So, how can you continue to drink coffee while maintaining the health of your teeth?
How coffee affects teeth
Even one cup of coffee a day can increase the risk of cavities. Coffee can also contribute to halitosis (bad breath), as it increases the number of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria can produce acid, which promotes tooth and enamel erosion. This can cause your teeth to become thin and brittle.
The most noticeable problem of regular coffee consumption is tooth discoloration. Coffee contains tannin, which can stain teeth. This substance is also found in other beverages, such as wine and tea.
Coffee can penetrate tooth enamel, covering it with a rich yellow or brown color. When enamel becomes thin, dentin becomes more noticeable, which leads to yellowing of the teeth.
Adding cream to coffee will also not stop the discoloration of your teeth. The pigments and acids responsible for the dark color of coffee do not disappear with the addition of cream, so it can still stain teeth dark. Cream and sugar, on the contrary, can accelerate the growth of bacteria.
How to prevent coffee stains on teeth
To avoid tooth discoloration:
• drink coffee through a straw to reduce contact with teeth;
• consume a large amount of water to wash away liquid residues;
• carefully brush your teeth with a toothbrush and dental floss after drinking coffee. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking coffee before brushing your teeth, as this will allow the acid in the mouth to neutralize;
• after a cup of coffee, eat vegetables such as carrots and celery, this will help reduce tooth discoloration and freshen breath;
• limit coffee consumption to one or two cups a day;
• visit the dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning.
Following these tips will allow you to continue drinking coffee while maintaining oral health.
Can teeth whitening help with coffee stains?
Coffee can affect the condition of your teeth, but the problem can be solved by visiting a dentist.
Whitening kits that can be found in stores do not provide deep cleaning as it happens in the dentist’s office. Professional teeth whitening can help restore a healthy white color to your teeth.
Teeth whitening can also be done at home. Special gels, strips, or trays that are applied to the teeth are used for this. They contain a lower concentration of whitening agent, so they require longer use. Some strips and trays have a higher content of whitening substance — prescribed by a dentist. Sometimes doctors recommend combining in-office procedures with the use of whitening strips and gels at home.
At YAREMA DENTAL, you will be helped with professional teeth whitening so that you have a snow-white smile. You can also contact us for regular dental check-ups.