Do you enjoy a nice, hot cup of joe in the morning? It may be your go-to beverage to help give you the boost you need to tackle the day ahead. Better yet, National Coffee Day is coming up quickly on September 29th! It seems like an optimal time to splurge at your favorite café and relish the beverage. However, this liquid gold can be the culprit for some dental problems. Continue reading to learn how and what you can do to safely enjoy it.
How Can Coffee Affect My Oral Health?
While you may be itching to learn how you can have coffee without it affecting your oral health, it’s important to understand exactly what it does. This morning beverage is considered to be acidic. It may be more likely to wear down your enamel. When that top layer of your teeth is weakened, you may experience some tooth sensitivity or be at a higher risk for cavities.
Many people often add plenty of sugar and additives to turn this bitter liquid gold into a sweeter drink. However, doing this can also increase your chances of tooth decay. That’s because the plaque in your mouth uses sugar to produce enamel-dissolving acid.
A cosmetic issue that coffee can cause is some staining! While this isn’t a dental emergency, it can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. The discoloration can happen on and within your enamel, so regular brushing may not brighten your teeth as much as you like. Thankfully, a professional teeth whitening treatment can often dissolve these stains.
How Can I Safely Enjoy National Coffee Day?
Before you get disheartened, imagining that you have to quit drinking coffee, there are several ways that you can have it while protecting your oral health. While you can limit how much you consume, if it’s rooted deep in your routine, then that may be easier said than done. Instead, to help you gear up for National Coffee Day, you can:
- Use a straw while having your brew to help reduce how long it comes into contact with your smile.
- Drink water after your sips or rinse afterward to help wash away any staining particles and sugars.
- Don’t add too many sugary additives to help reduce your risk for cavities.
Overall, the best way you can care for your smile while drinking liquid gold is to keep up with your at-home routine. Brush twice and floss at least once a day to ensure your enamel stays strong and healthy. Having consistent appointments with your dentist can also help ensure your grin stays the best it can be and avoid any oral health issues!
About the Author
Dr. Rebecca Long earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. She has since completed over 600 hours of continued education. Dr. Long’s knowledge and experience, combined with state-of-the-art technology, allow her to help you protect your smile from oral health issues that can happen from drinks like coffee. If it’s time for your next routine cleaning, schedule an appointment or call her office at (512) 328-0155.