Park Ridge Implant Dentists: The Truth About Coffee & Oral Health

If you habitually enjoy a cup or three of coffee every day, you might do so with a bit of trepidation concerning the myriad warnings against coffee and caffeine, particularly regarding your oral and physical health. However, some studies suggest that coffee’s bad reputation may not be entirely deserved. Your Park Ridge implant dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, take a close look at the contents of coffee, and how the dark beverage may actually benefit your oral health and wellbeing.

What’s in Your Coffee?

Because of coffee’s natural acidity, it can prove dangerous to your teeth in large, excessive doses, especially if your oral hygiene routine is lacking. Nevertheless, acidity isn’t coffee’s only property; it also contains a plethora of antioxidants that can help your mouth fight off infections and destructive diseases. According to one study conducted by the American Cancer Society, participants who drank at least four cups of coffee a day were up to 49% less likely to develop oral cancer.

Drink with Caution

Coffee’s newfound benefits to your oral health may be reason to celebrate for those who love coffee, but Dr. Loukas warns that you should still consume the beverage with caution and a mind to your dental health. As a naturally dark substance, coffee is a notorious tooth-stainer, and can significantly darken your teeth if you’re not diligent about protecting your smile. Try drinking coffee through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with water after each cup to help wash away bacteria and tooth stain-causing molecules, called chromogens.

Learn More About Good Oral Health from Your Park Ridge Implant Dentists

Aside from brushing and flossing your teeth, being mindful of what you consume and how you consume is also vital to maintaining a strong, healthy smile. To learn more about how coffee and other everyday products affect your oral health, seek the expertise of your Park Ridge implant dentists today. You can schedule an appointment by calling Loukas General Dentistry at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.