Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Many people enjoy their morning cup of coffee to wake up and feel more alert. However, frequent coffee drinkers should be aware of how coffee affects dental health. It can stain teeth and contribute to bad breath. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy your coffee deliciously while taking care of your teeth including dental cleanings near you. Here are some important dental hygiene tips just for coffee lovers!
Why is Coffee Bad For Your Teeth?
Coffee contains tannins, which are compounds that give coffee its dark colour and bitter taste, but they do cause staining in your teeth; over time, they will start turning yellowish or brownish in colour. Secondly, coffee is acidic, which means can affect the enamel on the teeth. Enamel is the strong outer layer of your teeth and if worn off, it gives rise to a condition called sensitive teeth, an increased risk for cavities to form, decay and more.
Another factor is when people add plenty of sugar or creamer, which can give the coffee even more potential threats to the condition of the person’s teeth – tooth decay, gum disease and more dental issues can be caused by improper cleaning away from the rest of the body. Frequent coffee drinkers observe that their own teeth stain quicker.
How to Protect Your Teeth from Coffee Stains?
There are several ways to enjoy your coffee while protecting your teeth:
- Rinse Your Mouth with Water: After drinking coffee, rinse your mouth with water. This can help reduce the staining effects and wash away some of the acidic compounds that linger in your mouth. Such practice may decrease the effect and help to clean acidic content remaining within your mouth.
- Brush Your Teeth Regularly: Regularly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is important after coffee. However, wait for almost 30 minutes before brushing because brushing too early can harm the enamel of your teeth. Acid, produced by coffee softens the enamel temporarily.
- Use a Straw: Drinking coffee through a straw reduces contact between the teeth and the beverage, and so, less chance for staining. This remedy is good, especially when you drink iced coffee or drinking any coffee on a regular basis.
- Eat Teeth-Cleaning Snacks: There are some foods that can clean your teeth naturally. Crunchy apples, carrots, celery and more help remove food particles from your teeth. Cheese also helps neutralize acids in your mouth, which reduces the possibility of cavities.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to a dentist will help maintain good dental health; this becomes vital in the case of coffee drinkers. They will help remove any plaque or cavities and also aid in cleaning your teeth to remove any stains. Flossing every day is another good practice that helps to maintain your teeth and gums.
- Consider Professional Teeth Whitening: If you have noticed that your teeth have become stained from coffee, professional teeth whitening treatments can help restore the appearance of your teeth. Discuss safe and effective options with your dentist.
Good dental hygiene practices, drinking through a straw, and regular appointments can help you enjoy the beverage while keeping your teeth healthy and bright. Always remember to brush regularly and take good care of your enamel; this will not only maintain dental hygiene but also keep your smile as bright as can be!
Achieve Optimal Dental Health With Dental Hygiene!
At our dental clinic, we believe that everyone is entitled to a healthy smile. Our friendly team of dentist in Okotoks, offer quality dental care to restore optimal oral health. We offer comprehensive services from routine teeth cleaning to more advanced restorations; all in a comfortable atmosphere. We want to keep that bright smile on your face! Visit Essential Dentistry today to achieve a bright smile.