Canadians are some of the most coffee-obsessed people in the world, with 71% of Canadians aged 18 to 79 drink coffee at least once a day. Because of this, cafes are always blooming every year. For example, Tim Horton’s generates over $2 billion in sales revenue.

Coffee is a very important element in many people’s daily lives. Some people have developed enough of a dependence that they cannot even begin to wake up and begin school or work without caffeine. No matter how important coffee can be for your daily routine, it’s undeniable how its potential disadvantages can be disconcerting.

How Coffee Damages Teeth 

The adverse effects of coffee on human cardiovascular and neurological health are very well known. However, many people don’t think about how coffee affects another important part of the body: your teeth.

Stained Teeth

One of the most well-known ways that coffee damages teeth is through staining. Drinking one cup of coffee a day is a surefire way to stain your teeth significantly. This is because coffee contains tannins, which are polyphenols that break down and cause the colour in coffee grounds to stick to the teeth. Constant exposure results in a yellow stain that’s very obvious and difficult to remove.

Tooth Decay

Coffee is just like any other food in that it can cause damage if you don’t clean your teeth after drinking it. Food particles encourage bacterial growth in your mouth. These bacteria cause cavities, tooth decay, and painful gum disease. These can lead to permanent tooth loss and other serious health issues.

Enamel Damage

Coffee’s brewing and preparation process releases nine major acids that make up coffee’s rich and unique flavour. These acids linger in your mouth and eat away at the surface layer of your teeth—the enamel. Enamel is the barrier that protects the sensitive inner layers of your teeth, so when it breaks down, you will be more prone to decay and sensitivity.

Coffee Drinking Techniques

The good news is that teeth staining and cavities are problems that you can fix and avoid. Brushing your teeth regularly can help prevent tooth decay caused by coffee and other food and beverages. With these coffee drinking tips and tricks, you can help prevent teeth stains:

  1. Dilute our coffee: The darker your coffee, the deeper the resulting teeth stains. Mixing in cream and milk can moderate its staining effects. However, having too much dairy every day can cause other kinds of damage to your body.
  2. Use a straw: A simple workaround for teeth staining beverages such as coffee, soda, and wine, is to use a straw. The straw delivers the liquid directly to your throat without lingering in your mouth.
  3. Eat crunchy fruit and vegetables: You can balance your daily coffee habit with crunchy fruits and vegetables with high water content. Examples include apples, watermelon, lettuce, carrots, and celery.
  4. Drink faster: Taking long, lingering sips of your coffee leads to more prevalent staining. If you finish your coffee in a few gulps within one sitting, you can minimize bacteria and staining.
  5. Practice good hygiene: A simple way to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of coffee is to brush your teeth after drinking it. You can take your hygiene efforts to a higher level by using an electric toothbrush to remove stains faster and more effectively.

Conclusion

There’s no ending Canadians’ obsession with coffee, even if its damaging effects are very well-known. The DIY techniques above can mitigate coffee from severely staining and damaging your teeth. However, there’s nothing more effective than good hygiene practices and regular visits to your dentist for teeth whitening and cleaning!

If you’re looking for professional teeth cleaning services in Edmonton, Edmonton Smiles is the perfect place for you. Our treatments will make sure you have a great smile to boost your confidence. Take corrective action and book an appointment with us today!

Posted in Dental News & Advice