How Does Coffee Affect Your Dental Health?

There’s nothing better than a hot cup of joe to kick-start your day. It’s an integral part of the morning routine for most people. After all, how else can you stay energized throughout the day? Plus, it’s proven to have several health benefits! A study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals who drink a cup of coffee a day are 12% less likely to die from cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart diseases.

However, there are still concerns when it comes to drinking coffee frequently. Overconsumption can have negative effects on your dental health. Read on to find out how this morning drink can affect your teeth and what you can do to protect your pearly whites.

What Does Coffee Do to Your Teeth?

Most people look forward to enjoying a warm, delicious cup of coffee every morning, but too much can have adverse effects on your oral health. A daily cup of joe increases your risk of cavities and can contribute to bad breath. It also helps bacteria in the mouth create acid, which leads to enamel erosion.

Enamel serves as the protective layer of the teeth and is partially responsible for the color of your smile. When it becomes thin, it makes dentin more visible, resulting in yellow teeth. Additionally, merely drinking coffee can cause tooth discoloration.

How Does it Stain Your Teeth?

Coffee contains an ingredient called tannin, which is what discolors teeth. It’s a type of polyphenol that breaks down in water and can also be found in beverages like tea and wine (both well-known for staining). Three types of tooth discoloration can occur:

• Extrinsic tooth discoloration refers to the discoloration of the enamel. It’s often caused by consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee, wine, soda, and tea. Smoking is another factor that stains the outer layer of the teeth.
• Intrinsic tooth discoloration affects dentin, the inner structure of the tooth. Dental trauma, overexposure to fluoride, and the use of tetracycline antibiotics at a younger age are just a few causes of intrinsic discoloration.
• Age-related tooth discoloration is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic causes. As we get older, our dentin naturally turns yellow, and our enamel gets thinner.

Tips to Minimize Staining

Even though quitting coffee cold turkey is the best way to avoid staining, it’s not a feasible solution for most people. Here are some tips and tricks to minimize the intensity of stains:

• Drink your coffee all at once rather than sipping.
• Use a straw when drinking to minimize contact.
• Rinse your mouth with water immediately after you finish your cup of joe.
• Wait 30 minutes after drinking to allow the acid in your mouth to neutralize. Then, brush and floss your teeth to reduce stains.

If you’re a coffee-lover, be sure to follow these tips to prevent staining. Above all, proper dental care and regularly visiting your dentist are the best way to maintain your bright, beautiful smile.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil brings over 20 years of experience to Oshkosh Complete Dentistry. He strives to connect with each patient personally, establishing meaningful relationships that are sure to stand the test of time. Dr. Heil earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Minnesota. If you have signs of coffee staining, he offers various solutions to help resolve your problems. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Heil, visit our website or call (920) 235-0320.