What Coffee Drinkers Need to Know about Their Teeth

Can you imagine your day without your daily cup of Joe? Most of us cannot, but this is hardly surprising, and there is statistical data to back this up. In a 2018 article, CNN enumerated the top 50 beverages worldwide. Coffee comes third.

Before you take another cup, are you aware that it can discolor your teeth? It is because coffee contains tannin, also found in red wine. Yes, both beverages can discolor your pearly whites.

Why Does Coffee Stain Our Teeth?

As mentioned earlier, coffee contains tannins. Polyphenols are also present in coffee (and other plant-based foods). These compounds are responsible for the discoloration of your teeth.

This substance is responsible for staining our enamel. The darker the type of coffee you drink, the more severe the staining can be.

As far as the severity of staining is concerned, it depends on the type of coffee. It is the same case with wine. Red wine contains more tannin than white wine.

The following types of coffee are the ones that are most likely to stain our teeth:

• Dark Roasts: This type of coffee is an excellent choice for fans of a bold flavor. However, it is the most likely to make your teeth discolored.
• Arabica: It is another type of coffee that is equally popular. It is often used in making espresso.
• Robusta: This type of coffee produces a smooth taste. Moreover, it is also known to stain teeth faster than Arabica.

How Does Coffee Affect Oral Health?

Yes, you can correct the discoloration by having teeth whitening. However, please learn that coffee could also wreak your oral health. Experts believe that drinking coffee can lead to the following:

• Gum issues: The process of staining can begin when the body is attempting to remove the substance. As a result, the gum tissue can be damaged.
• Tooth erosion: The dark color of the coffee can stain our teeth’s surface. As a result, your teeth's enamel may fade.
• Cavities: Like mentioned earlier, coffee is high in tannin. It can erode the enamel on our teeth. Furthermore, it can also cause the formation of cavities.

• Bad breath: It is one of the most common side effects of coffee. In some cases, bad breath can develop due to plaque accumulation in our mouths.

• Tooth decay: The acids from the coffee can get into the tooth structure.

How to Prevent Teeth Discoloration

On your next dental appointment, you might ask your dentist how to prevent discoloration. It is essential to know specific ways to prevent coffee from staining your teeth. The following are tips to prevent or lessen staining:

• Use a straw: You should always use a straw whenever you are drinking coffee.

• Brushing: Brushing twice a day can minimize the effects of staining.
• Flossing: Likewise, flossing can help in your overall oral hygiene.

• Rinsing your mouth with water: You can rinse your mouth with water as soon as you drink coffee. It can mitigate the effects of staining.

Conclusion

Drinking coffee does not exactly mean that it will damage your teeth. It all boils down to your daily oral care routine.

Of course, you also need regular teeth cleaning appointments to keep your pearly whites in excellent shape. Dental House MI offers complete dental services including teeth cleaning and teeth whitening in Ypsilanti. Contact us now to book an appointment.