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How Does Coffee Affect Your Smile?

Women drinking coffee

Having that first sip of coffee early in the morning is often what people need to get going. Not only does it increase your energy levels, but it also helps you burn fat and can improve your physical performance. According to the United States National Coffee Association, over half of American adults drink coffee every day. But unfortunately, coffee’s many benefits don’t apply to your smile. Continue reading to learn more about coffee stains and other effects the beverage has on your teeth.

How Does Coffee Affect Your Teeth?

Even with all the benefits that coffee has, drinking it too much can be harmful for your smile. In fact, water is the only beverage that doesn’t harm your teeth in some way. Everything else, including coffee, causes the natural bacteria in the mouth to create acids that attack the teeth and leave them vulnerable to tooth decay. If you’re sipping on the beverage all morning and early afternoon, your probability of developing cavities goes up even higher. Aside from oral health problems, many people know that regularly drinking coffee has been known to cause discoloration.

How Does Coffee Discolor Your Teeth?

Coffee has in ingredient in it called “tannin.” This is a type of polyphenol that breaks down in water. It is also found in other tooth staining beverages like wine and tea. In addition to containing tannin, coffee helps the bacteria in the mouth create acid that wears down the tooth enamel. This can result in discoloration of your smile as well.

Over time, if you’re constantly drinking coffee, you may begin to notice your teeth having a more yellow-colored appearance.

How Can You Prevent Coffee Stains?

Obviously, one way to avoid discoloration is to reduce your consumption of the beverage. If you feel the need for your morning coffee, try to drink it quickly instead of sipping on it throughout the day. You could also try using a straw in order to reduce the contact of the beverage with your teeth.

Rinsing your mouth out with water afterwards helps to eliminate residual coffee that is left in your mouth. Just be sure to wait at least 30 minutes to brush after finishing your beverage. This is because the acids in the drink soften your enamel. Brushing too quickly can cause damage.

How Do You Reduce Discoloration in Your Smile?

There are several different ways that you can tackle stains in your mouth. One way is through in-office teeth whitening. This is incredibly common because you can see a huge transformation in as little as an hour. This is a great option for people who want quick, noticeable results in a safe environment. Keeping up a good oral hygiene routine as well as regular touchups will help you keep your beautiful results.

You don’t need to cut out coffee completely but remember to only drink it in moderation. You don’t want to build up years of stubborn teeth stains.

About the Author

Dr. Greg Ritchie is a well experienced dentist serving patients in Brady, TX and surrounding communities. He earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has been practicing for over 18 years. He’s received special training in sedation dentistry, implants, implant supported dentures, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Ritchie offers in-office teeth whitening as one of his services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (830) 693-8833.

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