The alarm clock goes off. The cool, winter weather has you wishing you could press snooze for the next 30 minutes, but you convince yourself to get out of bed and get your day started. Before starting anything productive, you stumble your way to the kitchen and your muscle memory kicks in. A pot of water fills the machine, scoops of grounds top off the filter, and your morning brew is on its way to power you through the day.
Does this sound like you?
Being an avid coffee drinker has its perks. The hot drink can be your best friend when it comes to waking up and staying productive (thank you, caffeine!), but what about the unfortunate downsides to drinking coffee? Specifically, what are the oral health consequences for the avid coffee drinker?
Tooth Discoloration
One of the most prominent downsides of consistent coffee consumption is stained or discolored teeth. Coffee impacts the color of teeth through an ingredient called tannin. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that breaks down in water. It is also a part of other beverages like wine and tea. Stains occur when tannin builds up on tooth enamel and “stick” to your teeth, leaving behind a yellowish tint.
Preventing Tooth Discoloration
Don’t fret! You can prevent discoloration from worsening by caring for your oral health. Simple steps such as brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, routinely using mouthwash, and flossing can help fight against additional enamel build up. Beyond those habits, switching to whitening toothpaste and/or a new toothbrush can help improve overall oral cleanliness.
Getting White Teeth Back
If your teeth have already seen the side effects of drinking coffee on the regular, there are clinical options that can help you restore your pearly whites! Here at Dr. Drew and Crew, we offer various teeth whitening services that can help improve the look of teeth coloration. To learn more, click here to read our blog about getting whiter teeth.
Questions about teeth discoloration or whitening? Contact us today!
https://drdrewandcrew.com/contact/
520 S. 14th St.
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
479-242-3739