Your Teeth & Coffee

Your teeth and coffee go together like white t-shirts and unsightly stains. We know it isn’t the best liquid to splash over our pearly whites, but we love it anyway. While many people may forget about flossing for a day or two, coffee lovers never miss their morning cup of ambition.

Coffee lovers can’t be without their morning cup!

Is coffee bad for my teeth?

Staining and acid wear are two main concerns for coffee drinkers. However, with consistently good home care and regular dental visits, coffee may not be so bad for your teeth after all. Studies have even shown significant health benefits. According to Professor Alan Crosier from the University of Glasgow, findings show that coffee can be considered a valuable source of antioxidants, supplementing those obtained from fruit and vegetables. If that doesn’t sound promising enough, according to Mayo Clinic, studies have shown it may even protect against Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. Coffee also appears to improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of depression.

Before we get too excited, and go for that Venti Mocha Latte, we need to remember these studies are based on plain, black coffee in moderation. If sugar and cream are added, you’re not only cancelling out the benefits, your teeth are at risk for cavities and acid erosion.

Stain & acid erosion are true concerns for those with acidic diets.

Sugar feeds the bad bacteria which causes cavities.

We all know soft drinks are bad for our teeth and health in general. When we add sugar to our coffee, it’s a recipe for cavities. For example, a Grande Caramel Brulee Latte from Starbucks contains a whopping 52 grams of sugar, compared to 39 grams in a can of Coke. If you drink these beverages, be sure to drink plenty of water in between sips.

Excellent home care is essential for healthy teeth.

Enjoy your coffee, just be sure to watch your added sugar. Make sure to brush and floss 2x daily and see us for routine cleaning and check-ups.

Tip: Try cutting back on your sugar by decreasing a little bit, over time. If you use 3 teaspoons per cup of coffee, try going with just 2 every day for a week and keep decreasing until you’re used to the delicious taste of black coffee. You’ll receive the antioxidant benefits and you’ll even lose weight!

What to do about that yellowing coffee stain.

Coffee, as well as tea, can cause staining. Some of the superficial stain can be removed during a cleaning with your hygienist. Deeper stains can often times be lifted by in office whitening with Zoom.Custom take-home trays are also great for touch-ups in between appointments.

Try not to sip on sweet beverages all day long.

Drinking one cup of coffee in a short period of time is better than sipping often throughout the day. This allows the sugar and acid to coat your teeth longer and more frequently, which can break down the enamel over time. If you tend to keep a sugary beverage on hand during the day, make sure to alternate with sips of water. This is not only healthier for you, it helps to rinse some of the sugar and acid away from your teeth.

In conclusion, keep enjoying your favorite coffee. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning and exam, come see us. We’ll be happy see you and check for small issues before they become big ones! If coffee has turned your pearly whites into golden nuggets, we can suggest the best whitening treatment for you.