How Coffee Affects Oral Health

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coffee affects on oral health chauvin dental lafayette laThe majority of Americans depend on some amount of coffee each day to wake up and go about their days. Sound familiar? If you’re in a steady relationship with your daily cup (or two, or three…) of joe, have you ever considered the ways in which your coffee habit affects your dental health? Don’t worry – we have some good news for you!

 

 

The Good

There are multiple research studies that show very promising results for coffee drinkers. These studies show that drinking coffee may actually reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, which positively impacts dental health. Evidence also shows that antioxidants in coffee may help prevent cavities and dental disease. Keep in mind these study results apply to black coffee and not sweetened coffee.

The Bad

If you take your coffee with cream or sugar, or both, remember that sugar consumption allows harmful bacteria to grow within your mouth. If you can’t live without your additives or hate the taste of black coffee, make sure to practice proper dental hygiene to prevent future cavities or dental issues. You can also try consuming your coffee during a specified time of the day, so your teeth aren’t exposed to sugar for extended periods of time.

There is some concern that drinking a lot of coffee can cause erosion of the enamel of your teeth, although it’s not as acidic as beverages like fruit juice. In addition, if you suffer from bruxism, evaluate the effects of your caffeine consumption and reduce it accordingly if it seems to be causing you to grind or clench your teeth.

The Ugly

Coffee can stain your teeth over time, especially if you drink it frequently. The enamel in your teeth is porous and it can absorb what it’s exposed to, which means it can become yellow or brown if you drink a lot of coffee and don’t counteract the staining effects. Drinking through a straw when possible can limit the potential of staining your teeth. Consider drinking or swishing with water after you drink coffee to remove it from the surface of your teeth. You can also use a whitening toothpaste at home and schedule a visit with your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for a whitening treatment.

As always, moderation is key. Enjoy your coffee but think about ways you can protect your teeth while doing so. Come see us at Chauvin Dental for your regular dental checkups and if you have any questions about how to counteract any of the effects coffee drinking has on your teeth.

Oral Health Issues and Diabetes

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dental health and diabetes chauvin dental lafayette laWhether you have Type I or Type II Diabetes, it is a disease that requires constant monitoring of the entire body, including the eyes, nerves, and even your teeth. When you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk for periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay or even tooth loss in more advanced stages. In the beginning stages of gum disease, symptoms for diabetic patients could be as simple as sore, tender gums or bad breath. It’s essential to let your dentist know if you are diabetic and what medications you are taking. It’s also important to see your dentist if you’re experiencing any problems since these could be the first sign of undiagnosed diabetes.

It’s thought that diabetic patients are at a higher risk for gum disease because if blood glucose is not well controlled, that means there’s a lot of glucose in the saliva. You may notice that here on the blog for Chauvin Dental, we talk a lot about why you should restrict sugar intake, and that’s for good reason: sugar is the main enemy in the war against dental decay! When your blood glucose level is not kept in check, that gives harmful bacteria in your mouth the perfect environment in which to flourish.

At the same time your blood glucose level affects your oral health, there is the simple fact that having gum disease or oral infections can cause your blood sugar to rise, which is not desirable for diabetics. Thus, controlling blood sugar and keeping watch over your oral health are important because the consequences flow both ways.

Infections in diabetic patients can be more severe because the immune system is weakened.

Other potential oral issues experienced by diabetic individuals include:

  • Fungal infections in the mouth, or thrush, characterized by sore patches in the mouth
  • Dry mouth
  • Ulcers
  • Infections
  • Cavities
  • Burning sensation

The best way to prevent any oral health issues is to control your blood glucose levels. Work with your primary care physician to determine your blood sugar target and a plan to achieve it. If you are a smoker, consider quitting to lessen your risk of health complications. Maintain proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing once a day. Ask your dentist how often you should be coming in for checkups and come in sooner if you’re experiencing pain or having a dental emergency.