If we’re completely honest, most of us rely on coffee to get us through the 9 AM meetings or the dreadful exam. But “Do you drink a lot of coffee” is your dentist’s most frequent question for a reason. Several studies have now shown that the daily cup of your favourite coffee could be putting your dental health at risk. It increases the chances of cavities and discolouration of the teeth. It can also lead to bad breath if it is sugary because the bacteria get a chance to accumulate in your mouth.
The tannin present in coffee is the main culprit behind this. It leads to the breakdown of the outer protective layer of the teeth called enamel. As it becomes thinner, the lower dentin layer, which is yellow in colour starts becoming visible, making you appear unattractive. The enamel is an extremely vital layer and cannot be restored once damaged. Therefore, it is essential that you care for it and prevent any harm to this hardened layer.
The best way to deal with this is to reduce your coffee consumption. But if that sounds like too big a challenge, here’s how you can keep drinking your coffee without causing any major harm to your oral health:

• The first thing to stop doing is carrying around your coffee and drinking it throughout the day. It is better to have it all in one go as it reduces the number of bacteria that gets build up in your mouth.
• Try to prevent contact between the drink and your teeth. Use a straw as it will not allow coffee to stay in contact with your teeth.
• Brush your teeth sometime after you have your coffee. This will remove any residual liquid from your teeth and help you stay free of any coffee stains. Wait for almost thirty minutes before brushing your teeth.
• Drink enough water throughout the day.
• The fibre present in raw vegetables and fruits can also help in retaining the sparkling white colour of your teeth. Have celery, strawberries and lemon to improve your oral health.
• If the situation of your teeth is already too bad, try using a whitening product. This should only be done after consulting a medical expert.
• Use a tongue scraper to avoid bad breath and adopt a good dental hygiene routine to keep your teeth healthy.
• Stay away from any creamers or sugary beverages. The sugary your coffee is the faster will the buildup of bacteria in your mouth be.

If you see any discolouration or coffee stains on your teeth, immediately book an appointment with your dentist. They can also suggest various whitening treatments that can help you get your sparkling teeth back. Timely intervention can also prevent any major decay to your teeth or gums. You might experience some discomfort after undergoing a whitening treatment. But these symptoms are short-lived, and your teeth can stay white for weeks to come.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.