Coffee and Your Smile, What You Need to Know

Whether you enjoy a cup of coffee every morning or only on occasion, your coffee habit may be harming your teeth more than you know. Before you reach for your next cup, be sure to read over these facts about coffee and your smile from Laurel dentist John N. Kim, D.D.S., P.A.

Coffee Causes Discoloration

While your teeth may feel strong and solid, the truth is that teeth are porous, which means that they are full of tiny holes and spaces that bacteria and food particles can find their way in. When you drink coffee, small coffee particles get inside the tiny grooves in your teeth, causing them to discolor over time.

Coffee Wears Away Tooth Enamel

Coffee doesn't just hide in the small spaces in your teeth, either; it also creates new ones. Coffee is an acidic beverage. Drink it too frequently, and the acids can gradually begin to wear away at your tooth enamel over time, weakening your teeth and leading to further discoloration.

Coffee Can Lead to Cavities

If you are one of the many coffee drinkers who likes cream or sugar in your coffee, another drawback of coffee is the fact that all of that sugar and creamer can lead to an increased risk for cavities, especially when your tooth enamel is already weakened.

The Damage is Treatable

The research is clear. Too much coffee is not good for your teeth. The good news, however, is that even if your teeth are badly damaged by past coffee drinking, the damage is treatable when you visit your Laurel dentist. Dr. Kim can provide all of the necessary procedures you need in order to make your teeth look amazing again, including teeth whitening, fillings, bonding, veneers and even dental implants.

If your coffee-loving habits have taken a toll on your teeth, it's time to reclaim your smile. Call your Laurel dentist, Dr. Kim, to set up an appointment for a consultation today.