How to Protect Your Smile This National Coffee Day
Many people’s favorite morning beverage is hot liquid gold. It’s a great way to get energized, but did you know National Coffee Day is quickly coming up? September 29th is a time when many lovers of this drink splurge on their favorite brew. That being said, it’s important to keep your oral health protected while enjoying it. Keep reading to learn what a cup of joe can do to your smile and what you can do about it.
How Does Coffee Affect My Oral Health?
Coffee affects your grin because of its acidity and sugar. When you drink it, your enamel will start to wear down the longer the liquid lingers in your mouth. It’ll eventually become weakened, and you might experience some sensitivity to hot or cold items.
While this isn’t good news for your oral health, it is for the bacteria in your mouth. If you add sugary additives to it, then they will eat these particles leftover and produce an enamel-dissolving acid. You may be at a higher risk of tooth decay and cavities.
A cosmetic issue that may arise is some staining. It can make you feel self-conscious, and brushing may not be able to fully remove the discoloration that’s present. However, to get noticeable results you love, you can visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment.
Are There Ways I Can Safely Enjoy Coffee?
You might be relieved to hear that you don’t have to fully quit drinking a cup of joe to preserve your oral health. Instead, here are some other tips you can follow aside from limiting how much you have:
- Using a straw will help reduce how often it comes in contact with your teeth.
- Drink water after every sip to wash away any staining particles and sugar.
- Use fewer additives to help prevent cavities.
A few other great ways you can support your teeth are by keeping up with your oral hygiene routine. It’s important to brush your teeth twice and floss once a day to get rid of harmful bacteria.
Your dentist is also a great asset that you should consider! They are trained to keep your smile the strongest it can be. In the end, keeping these tips in mind will help your grin stay problem-free.
About the Practice
At Fairfax Dental Group, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who are here to help you. Through preventive care, we can catch oral health issues, like cavities, while they are small and stop them from becoming a big headache in the future. We use state-of-the-art technology to ensure your treatment is comfortable and effective. If it’s time for your next semi-annual cleaning, schedule an appointment or call our office at (703) 560-6301.