How does coffee affect your teeth? What is your favorite part of waking up? Is it smelling a fresh pot or French press of coffee brewing? Is the smell, and first sip of a new cup of coffee also your favorite part of each afternoon? When you meet with friends, is it always over lattes, cappuccinos, or some other coffee-based concoction? If so, you are not alone. People of all ages, and all over the world, enjoy a fresh cup of Joe to wake them up and perk them up. Unfortunately, too much coffee can actually be damaging to your dental health.
What’s Wrong with Coffee, does it affect your teeth?
Even if you like to drink your coffee black, meaning completely void of sugary sweeteners and creams, drinking too much coffee can be problematic for your pearly whites for a number of reasons.
Coffee is naturally acidic
Acidic coffee has the potential to erode your teeth’s enamel. Once this outer, protective layer of your teeth is gone, it cannot be regenerated. It is the enamel that makes your teeth white. Loosing the top layers of enamel allows the yellow dentin to shine through. the acidic content in coffee varies significantly. You can enjoy an milder coffee for a lifetime without too much enamel damage. If you are drinking a stronger coffee, consider drinking through a straw will reduce the amount of coffee that touches your teeth.
Coffee causes stains
Speaking of white teeth, coffee can be staining as well, making it a cosmetic concern for many people. The acid in the coffee also can soften enamel just enough to allow stains to be incorporated within the enamel. These stains are especially hard to remove. Over time, the porous nature of the teeth’s enamel means that many of the foods and beverages you enjoy can begin to cause discoloration. That said, since people tend to sip drinks longer than they chew their foods, and often throughout the day as opposed to only a few times, acidic and staining beverages can be particularly problematic.
Do you add sugars to your coffee?
If you are one of the many people who like to add creamer, syrups or other flavorings to your coffee, you could be in particular dental trouble, and that is because anything high in sugar allows bacteria in the mouth to create acidity.
Coffee causes dehydration
Finally, any caffeinated beverage can have a dehydrating effect. Not only does this make it harder to stay properly hydrated, overall, it also means the body may not be able to produce saliva, which is a natural defense against tartar buildup.
Learn more about how coffee affects your teeth and how to limit it
Many of us are coffee lovers and the thought of quitting is not likely. Just remember to keep hydrated, limit the flavor additions, maintain your hygiene, and lastly consider drinking through a straw to reduce the amount of coffee that touches your teeth.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings help to keep tartar buildup at bay. Call us today at 847-234-0517 to schedule your next appointment. We also proudly serve residents of Chicago and all surrounding communities.