Sunday, October 2, 2016

Coffee: The Dental Connection!

Although most patients enjoy a cup of coffee or two throughout the day, many don't know that coffee can be especially tough on your teeth because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, staining your pearly whites and being generally detrimental to your smile.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with more than 50 percent of people drinking a cup daily.  In fact, it is so popular that National Coffee Day is celebrated annually every year! Although other foods and drinks such as wine, chocolate-flavored beverages, and soft drinks can all cause tooth enamel discolorations, a hot cup of coffee, however, goes one step farther: extreme temperature changes in your mouth can cause teeth to expand and contract.  This allows the stains to penetrate deep into the micro-cracks of your tooth enamel.

If you can't make it through the day without a cup of java, then consider the following tips to help make sure that your teeth stay in tip-top shape:

> Drink a glass of water with your coffee or rinse with water after every cup.
> Chew gum after you drink coffee.
> Enjoy your beverage with a straw

If you have any other questions or are in need of a dental appointment to whiten your teeth, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT


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