Coffee, in general, has been a rather controversial topic in the dental world. If you are particularly someone who can’t imagine starting their day without a cup of coffee, then you probably might wonder if it’s any good for your health.
The truth is that coffee is not always bad; it can boost energy to start the day, improve cardiovascular health, boost liver function, cleanse the stomach, and is also rich in antioxidants.
However, their effect on the teeth may be slightly alarming, requiring you to limit your intake and, if not possible, follow a strict dental hygiene routine.
This article will list more on the topic of – is drinking coffee/black coffee bad for your teeth and gums and all you need to know about the exact connection between coffee and dental health.
Is Coffee Bad For Teeth?
Black coffee, containing tannins, can stain teeth yellow. Its acidity weakens enamel, promoting bacteria growth and risking decay and gum disease. Sugary additives worsen these effects.
Coffee has “Tannins,” a type of polyphenol (these are micronutrients found in plant-based foods) that break down in the water.
Tannins make color compounds stick to the teeth, leaving an unwanted yellow color behind, resulting in stains.
Tannins are plant based compounds that makes it easier to stick to your teeth.
You can brush your teeth or drink water to remove this, but there will always be a slight discolouration left behind.
The tannins gets some help from the acidity of coffee which softens your enamel, which makes it easier for the stains to penetrate through your teeth.
Regular exposure to this can led to softening and breaking down of the enamel of your teeth over time.
This will give a yellowish appearance to your teeth.
Now, many need to understand that it‘s just not coffee that causes this stain.
Lastly, adding sugar can actually worsen the effects of coffee on your teeth, as it increases the potential to cause tooth decay, as it fuels the decay-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Avoiding sugar or sticking to artificial sweeteners can combat this effect and reduce teeth stains from coffee.
Red wine, black tea, dark-colored juices, soft drinks, berries, beetroot, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce are all food that can stain your teeth, just like coffee.
It can cause cavities due to enamel erosion over time, it will make your teeth thin and brittle.
Too much coffee can also cause tooth sensitivity which is a very painful experience when you are eating or drinking a hot or cold food item.
Is Drinking Black Coffee Good For Your Health?
Drinking black coffee has a lesser impact on your dental health compared to other coffee choices.
Adding sugar or cream to your coffee can accelerate the dental issues.
To improve your dental health, switch to black coffee.
Flavored creamers often contain damaging sugars and directly adding sugar to your coffee worsens dental health.
How to Remove Coffee Stains from Your Teeth?
Color of Coffee
The color of your coffee decides how deeply it stains the teeth. So try to add some milk to your coffee and dilute the concentration of coffee.
Use Straws
Consider using a paper or a recyclable straw as it can prevent the coffee from getting in contact with your teeth.
Drink Water
After consuming something acidic drink some water as it can wash away the acidity off your teeth.
Brush
Wait for atleast 1 hr after drinking the coffee to brush your teeth as it will give an ample time for your teeth to re-harden the enamel on your teeth.
Limit Your Coffee Consumption
This may sound easier said than done, but limiting your coffee consumption is another way to avoid teeth stains.
Eating Crunchy Food And Vegetables
You can also consider eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery that boost saliva production and scrub your teeth naturally, helping to remove stubborn stains.
Consider Teeth Whitening
If you live in UAE you can visit our dental clinics for teeth whitening in Dubai or teeth whitening in Abu Dhabi service.
Alongside these, try to make it a regular practice to follow the oral care routine advised by your dentist or dental clinic. If the stains are highly visible, they may suggest the best and most customized treatments to resolve this issue.
Source –
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9582577/
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/what-these-drinks-do-to-your-teeth
