How to Keep Your Teeth Shiny During National Coffee Day

If you enjoy drinking coffee on a regular basis, you are far from alone. Coffee is among the most popular beverages in the world, and every java drinker has their preferred way to enjoy this dark, bitter, and bold beverage. While this drink involves a few risks for your oral health, there are ways to minimize them so your smile can stay shiny, white, and healthy. In honor of National Coffee Day, here’s a brief guide to keeping your teeth in great shape while enjoying your morning joe.

Coffee is Slightly Acidic and Can Leave Stains

While the dental health risks of highly acidic beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and juices are common knowledge, many people are blissfully unaware of the fact that coffee is slightly acidic. The acid in coffee weakens your enamel on contact, making your teeth more susceptible to stains forming due to the dyes, pigments, and tannins the beverage contains. The caffeine in coffee also has a dehydrating effect that limits the body’s ability to produce saliva, leaving teeth more vulnerable to injury and infection while causing an unpleasant odor known as “coffee breath.”

Protecting Your Teeth When Drinking Coffee

Luckily, there are a few measures you can take to ensure that your teeth stay in great shape while you drink coffee. One of the best things to do is to enjoy a glass of water with your java so you can wash the coffee down and prevent it from remaining in contact with your teeth for too long. While many people enjoy adding sugar to their coffee, cutting back on this sweet stuff can help prevent the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you adore coffee, water is the best drink for your teeth and should always be your primary beverage.

Keep Your Teeth in Great Shape with Excellent Oral Hygiene

In any case, it’s crucial to practice excellent daily oral hygiene to prevent the accumulation of plaque and food debris, help reinforce the teeth, and avoid dental staining and discoloration. A proper daily oral cleaning regimen includes brushing at least twice and flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash at least once. It’s best to brush your teeth before eating or drinking anything except water in the morning to help protect your teeth from acid exposure.

While decades of drinking coffee can leave stains in your teeth, your dentist may be able to address the issue with professional teeth whitening treatments that deliver results superior to anything you can find at the store. While these tips can help you avoid the worst discoloration when drinking coffee, consulting with your dentist can help you determine if teeth whitening is an appropriate treatment for you.

About the Author

Dr. Durga Devarakonda earned her dental degree at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has practiced pediatric, general, and geriatric dentistry, so she has served patients from ages one to one hundred. She is proud to hold memberships with the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the North Texas Dental Society, and her office in Carrollton offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about keeping your teeth healthy when drinking coffee, contact her office online or dial (972) 236-7906.