Coffee can be your secret weapon on most mornings, or one of your favorite indulgences when you are out and about. You might be a regular at your local coffee shop, or a fixture at the coffee maker in your office break room. As much as you might love coffee, you can find yourself less thrilled by how this beverage might affect your smile. Over time, coffee can leave teeth stains that dull your smile, and leave you desiring a professional whitening treatment. If you enjoy flavored beverages that have more sugar, you may have a higher risk for cavities! At our Prairie Village, KS dental practice, we can help you recognize different smile threats in your daily routine, and help you manage oral health and cosmetic problems caused from products like coffee.
1. Coffee Can Leave Behind Unflattering Teeth Stains
Coffee’s dark color can be attractive in your mug, but the chromogens that give the drink its color can have a less desirable effect on your teeth. Keep your mouth rinsed with water and brush more often to help fight accumulating teeth stains, and keep in mind that reducing your coffee intake reduces your risks for dental discoloration. If you have already grown concerned with the look of your smile, you can arrange cosmetic dental treatment. You can pick up a whitening kit from our practice that you use at home, and see a better smile after just ten to fourteen days!
2. Flavored Coffee Drinks Can Be Worryingly High In Sugar
If you love coffee drinks that are sweet, or otherwise flavor-enhanced, you may be exposing yourself to more sugar than you realize, leading to more difficulties with cavities. We can provide restorative dental work to address any cavities that form on your smile, and we can use lifelike dental crowns and dental fillings that protect teeth without altering their appearance. With that said, your goal should be to avoid tooth decay – if you have trouble with cavities, it may be time to reduce your intake of flavored coffee drinks!
3. Acidic Products Like Coffee Can Weaken Your Enamel
Even unsweetened coffee can carry some oral health risks, as the acidity of these drinks can soften your enamel. That has the effect of making you more susceptible to harm from oral bacteria, while also making it easier for new stains to gather. Of course, coffee is not the only acidic drink people enjoy. You should also be cautious about your consumption of spicy foods, soft drinks, and citrus products.
Dr. Browne Can Help Patients Combat Smile Troubles That Arise Over Time
At our Prairie Village, KS dental practice, Dr. Browne can help you combat smile troubles that stem from your love of coffee! In addition to providing important treatments, we can work with you to help you improve your daily habits, and better manage your oral health. To find out more, or to schedule a visit with Dr. Browne, contact our office today at (913) 901-8585.
