Even your family dentist cannot deny the alluring power of coffee, which is why many dental professionals have found ways to keep oral health in top shape without giving up this beloved beverage. If you just have to have that daily cup of joe, follow these tips to prevent any mouth misfortunes.
Before you take that first sip of coffee, grab a straw to keep teeth clean.
When you drink coffee without a straw, the liquid has an easier time swishing around your mouth, sticking to and staining teeth along the way. A straw corrals the liquid and allows it to go more directly to the throat, so it will touch teeth less and reduce the chance of staining.
In addition to adding a creamy, delicious flavor to coffee, milk can also help keep teeth white despite coffee’s reputation for staining.
Tannins, particles found in coffee, stick to teeth and cause the yellowing associated with drinking coffee and tea. According to a study in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, the milk protein casein attaches to tannins and prevents them from sticking to teeth. This helps stop staining of the teeth.
After each cup of coffee, your family dentist and the ADA recommend following up with a glass of water.
By drinking water after coffee, you can rinse the tannins away. Otherwise, the tannins will remain on the teeth and cause yellowing. Another benefit? Intentionally adding more water to your coffee routine is a great way to stay hydrated.
While coffee has many benefits, it is infamous for causing tooth yellowing and bad breath. Combat both effects at once by chewing sugar-free gum. Make sure to choose sugarless gum with the ADA seal, as sugar can lead to cavities.
According to the ADA, chewing gum helps increase saliva production. Saliva can rinse out food debris, carry away the tannins left by your coffee, neutralize acids from bacteria and even carry calcium and phosphate, which is known to strengthen tooth enamel. The ADA recommends chewing sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after eating or drinking coffee.
While sugar can help take the bitterness out of coffee, it is better to leave it out of the cup. Instead, experiment with different coffees until you find one you enjoy in its more natural state.
Any family dentist will warn of the havoc sugar can wreak on teeth. Sugars are attractive to bacteria, which can later lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Your family dentist probably loves coffee just as much as you do. If you want to continue drinking this magical elixir without compromising those pearly whites, talk to your family dentist for more advice on keeping your teeth healthy. Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.
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