{"id":290,"date":"2023-02-06T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T00:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cowelldental.com\/blog\/?p=290"},"modified":"2023-03-06T00:04:02","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T00:04:02","slug":"protect-your-pearly-whites-from-drinking-coffee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cowelldental.com\/blog\/2023\/02\/06\/protect-your-pearly-whites-from-drinking-coffee\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Coffee Harm Your Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HotIf you need a cup of coffee to jumpstart your day, you\u2019re not alone. According to the National Coffee Association, 54% of Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee daily. Not only can it give you a boost of energy, but it also has health benefits. The Annals of Internal Medicine<\/em> found that daily coffee drinkers were 12% less likely to die from strokes, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. Although it can support your health, it can be bad news for your oral health<\/a>. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the effect coffee has on your pearly whites.<\/p>\n

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Coffee and Your Dental Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite the health benefits of coffee, too much of a good thing can be damaging to your smile. Drinking one cup of coffee per day increases your risk of cavities, especially if you add cream or sugar.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee feeds bacteria that create acid in the mouth that can cause enamel erosion. Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it can’t regenerate. Once you\u2019ve lost it, it\u2019s gone for good, leaving the protective layer of your tooth weakened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee can also contribute to gum disease and bad breath because it dries out your mouth. A dry mouth is a perfect environment for oral bacteria growth. Its thick scent can also linger in your mouth, worsening halitosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, coffee can also cause tooth discoloration because it contains an ingredient called tannin. Polyphenol breaks down in water, but it can also stain your teeth. Dark beverages, like coffee, can make your teeth look brown or yellow. No amount of brushing will take away the stains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting Your Smile from Coffee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to give up your morning coffee to protect your smile; however, your dentist will recommend taking a few precautions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n