Effects of Caffeine on Teeth
Coffee contains caffeine and this stimulant can have certain effects on the teeth. For instance, caffeine can take away the protective layer of your enamel and make it more vulnerable to tooth decay. If your teeth are already weakened due to bacteria or acids, the exposure to caffeine can worsen the condition. Other side effects are unscrupulous tooth discoloration and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. Furthermore, coffee stains your teeth due to the nicotine in the coffee beans.
Timing After Teeth Cleaning
It is advisable to wait about 24 to 48 hours after a teeth cleaning before consuming coffee. The dental cleaning requires the use of certain instruments and chemicals -some of which may remain on the tooth surface. Research states that it is thus essential to give your teeth some time to recover after the procedure before introducing a new element. In the event that you insist on having coffee right away, consider adding some dairy product to your coffee, because the casein helps protect your teeth.
Effect of Saliva on Teeth
Aside from the caffeine, coffee can interfere with your saliva production. This is because it causes dehydration, which is the main cause of decreased saliva production. Saliva is essential for remineralization and it helps keep your teeth healthy and strong, plus it can neutralize the acids that initiates the teeth decay. However, dehydration will reduce the process, allowing bacteria and acid to affect your teeth.
Coffee vs. Tea
Tea is containing compounds with lower acidity than coffee, so it is possible to treat your teeth with iced tea without fear of dental damage. However, if you choose to add lemon to the tea, the acidity of it may damage the integrity of your enamel.
Sugary Drinks
In addition to coffee and tea, you should avoid or limit the intake of other sugary and acidic beverages like fruit juices, energy drinks and carbonated soft drinks as well. Apart from the caffeine content these drinks can contribute significantly to the development of cavities.
Frequency of Coffee Consumption
If you decide to consume coffee anyway, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards. Additionally, you should reevaluate your daily coffee intake and decrease the number of cups you usually drink per day. The lower number of cabs you drink, the less it will further affect your teeth.
Alternative Drinks
If you’re searching for alternatives to coffee as a beverage, you should consider a range of options for a healthy and non-acidic beverage. Caffeine-free herbal teas, chamomile, cinnamon or green tea can help you stay awake without compromising your dental health. The most recommended drink to stay hydrated during the day is water.
Oral Health Care
It is an essential part of oral health care to reduce the level of damage that these beverages can cause to our teeth. Therefore, try to reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the acidity and remember to brush and floss your teeth regularly to ensure its hygienic state.
Teeth Bleaching
Teeth bleaching provides a more drastic solution to discolored teeth. This is a process used to remove the dark patches on your teeth, while keeping the enamel intact. The in-office teeth bleaching usually results in a more efficient whitening compared to over-the-counter products. Fortunately, this procedure is safe and will help you keep your teeth white and healthy.
Coffee and Medicaid
Many Medicaid programs cover the costs of teeth cleaning and medical dental services to low-income individuals and families. Many states have included preventive services such as oral cancer screenings and dental cleaning in the list of services covered. Therefore, it is important to contact Medicaid office and get informed.
Diet Tips for Your Teeth
In order to keep your teeth healthy and strong, you should watch your diet and choose the right snacks. For instance, too many sugary and acidic treats can be damaging for your teeth, instead it should be replaced with nutrient-rich and fiber-rich options. Foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts can strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Saliva Booster Foods
In order to boost the saliva production, which helps to protect your teeth, try including in your meals wheat germ, almonds, sunflower and sesame seeds, yogurt, oatmeal and spinach. These foods are rich in Vitamin B and will help enhance your saliva production, which keeps the teeth healthy and strong.
Topical Fluoride Treatments
Topical fluoride treatments can greatly enhance your oral health. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of your teeth and helps reduce the acid production from bacteria, which helps to prevent dental cavities. Fluoride is considered to be the primary ingredient in toothpaste and works in close coordination with other tooth-restorative systems.
Dental Sealants
One of the effective measures to protect your teeth against cavities and staining is a dental sealant. This is a thin protective coating that is applied to the surface of your teeth in order to prevent bacteria and decay. It usually coats the deep grooves and crevices in your molars and premolars, where bacteria and plaque accumulate. Moreover, the sealant blocks liquids, food and bacteria from entering your teeth, which prevents infections and decay.
