It might surprise you to find that only one cup of coffee per day is enough to discolour your teeth. Your teeth may get significantly stained and discoloured if you regularly consume several cups of coffee or tea.
Your teeth may appear to have a smooth surface, but the enamel coating that protects them is really ridged and cracked in many places. These ridges and crevices will become home to food debris and beverage pigments like coffee, which can stain the surface of your teeth.
Coffee stains generally become harder to get rid of without assistance, such as good brushing techniques, regular dental cleanings, and whitening procedures. This causes a grin that is drab and yellow rather than white and brilliant. But this is not the only ill effect of coffee. Coffee harms your teeth in many ways. Here are three ways in which coffee affects your oral health negatively.
Enamel Erosion and Cavities
Coffee has an impact on more than just your teeth’s enamel colour. It creates a condition that promotes cavities. This caffeinated beverage can enhance the activity of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Thus, putting your teeth at risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease.
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Coffee also contains a number of acids that can eat through and erode dental enamel, making it thin and brittle. Once your enamel becomes weak your teeth become susceptible to sensitivity and decay.
Dryness in Mouth
Much of your oral hygiene depends on your saliva. It helps in the breakdown of food and cleans away germs and food particles while keeping your mouth moist. Additionally, your saliva also helps in the restoration of your tooth enamel. But, when you drink coffee in excess, the caffeine can cause the mouth to become dry and reduce saliva production, which is essential for your dental health.
When your mouth becomes dry because of not having enough saliva, you may experience irritation in your gums. You will become prone to sores on your tongue, gums, and inside of your mouth. The lack of saliva also gives scope for bacteria buildup in your mouth, which results in a foul or uncomfortable breath.
Stress-Related Dental Problems
It may seem surprising but coffee makes you prone to dental problems related to stress. This is because when you consume coffee, high in caffeine, you are activating your nervous system which can lead to feelings of tension and worry.
Some of the dental issues related to stress are TMJ or temporomandibular dysfunction and teeth grinding (bruxism). These issues may inflict very serious damage to your oral health, ranging from locking your jaw, physical discomfort, and headaches to entirely wearing out your tooth enamel.
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Therefore, reduce your intake of coffee and other caffeinated drinks if you have one of these stress-related dental problems. Cutting on caffeine may help you manage or cure your stress and anxiety while reducing the effects of TMJ or bruxism.
Conclusion
Although coffee may play a significant role in your everyday life, it is crucial to understand how it might alter your smile. Contact Universal Dental Center now for additional details about coffee and dental health.
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