Coffee is an integral part of many people's lives since it’s a delicious and energizing way to start each day. It’s also an ideal pick-me-up in the sluggish midafternoon hours and a satisfying finish to a hearty meal. But, coffee also has its drawbacks, especially regarding teeth. Regular consumption and ineffective teeth cleaning can encourage coffee to sit on the teeth and stain the enamel, leading to unsightly discolorations and a dimmed smile. Here, learn more about how coffee affects your teeth.

Coffee & Tannins

Tannins are plant compounds that are naturally sticky and contain staining agents. They are abundant in coffee, tea, red wine, certain berries, and cinnamon—all foods that stain teeth.

The enamel surface of teeth is porous, and tannins easily adhere to the tiny pits in this outermost layer. The longer the tannins stay on the teeth, the more opportunity they have to stain.

Coffee & Acids

Like any food or drink other than water, coffee interacts with the natural bacteria present in the mouth. This interaction produces acids that attack the teeth, causing decay and cavities. It can also slowly erode the protective enamel surface of the teeth, which will make consuming hot or cold foods painful.

Acids upset the delicate ecosystem inside the mouth and produce bad breath, which is often more noticeable with coffee drinkers because the stickiness of the tannins latches onto the tongue and mouth’s interior.

Prevention

To minimize the stains, damage, and bad-breath associated with coffee-drinking, maintain diligent oral care practices. Brush your teeth immediately after finishing your daily allotment of coffee, and schedule professional teeth cleanings with a dentist as necessary; dentists have tools that provide a deeper and more beneficial teeth cleaning.

When you drink coffee, keep a glass of water handy, and take one sip of water with each sip of coffee; this will help rinse some of the tannins from the teeth before they have a chance to stick and do damage. Consider using a straw with your coffee, and route the flow of liquid past the teeth and toward the back of the throat.

Coffee-drinkers should visit their dentist for routine checkups at least twice a year, and have any dental issues promptly checked out. Stanley R McCardle DMD | Family Dentistry has been serving patients throughout the Headland, AL, area since 2000. Dr. McCardle and his team offer general and cosmetic dentistry services that include preventative exams, fillings, root canals, and teeth whitening treatments. Call (334) 693-2112 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.