Coffee is a common drink that many people have every day. Many people will drink coffee or tea in the morning for the caffeine to help them wake up and energize for the day. And while the drink may be great, it isn’t food for your teeth or gums.
So, how can you keep drinking coffee while keeping your oral health in the best condition? Here’s a guide on what coffee does to your teeth and what you can do to help mitigate the effects it has on your teeth.
What Does Coffee Do to Your Oral Health?
Drinking coffee can lead to a few dental health problems if you’re not taking great care of them. You can increase your chances of cavities. It can also contribute to halitosis or bad breath because of the thick scent and increases the oral bacteria in the mouth.
The bacteria can create acid that leads to tooth and enamel erosion. Enamel is made of minerals, primarily hydroxyapatite, and is the protective layer of your teeth. It’s also partially responsible for the color of your teeth, which is why many people experience deep yellow to brownish stained teeth when drinking things such as coffee, tea, or wine.
Adding creamer to coffee will also not stop the discoloration of your teeth. The pigments and acids responsible for the dark color of coffee don’t disappear, so they can still stain your teeth. Creamer and sugars can also speed up the growth of bacteria.
Ways to Prevent Coffee from Staining Your Teeth
Even though people know what coffee can do to oral health, they will still drink it. So, how do you prevent oral health problems such as stained teeth or cavities from drinking coffee? A few ways to help maintain your dental hygiene while drinking coffee include:
- Waiting 30 minutes before brushing your teeth
- Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly
- Getting your teeth professionally whitened
- Using an electric toothbrush
- Using a straw
- Visiting your dentist regularly
- Drinking water
