For many people coffee is essential in their daily lives, whether it is to wake up in the morning, to take a break at work, as a dessert after lunch, or just for the simple fact of enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. Coffee consumers are aware of the adverse effects that excessive consumption can have, such as nervousness, insomnia or even digestive problems, but they tend to forget another one. Oral health can also be affected by the consumption of this delicious beverage.
Prunus Dental explains that the tannins present in coffee damage the dental enamel, changing its color and leaving stains on the teeth. Faced with this situation, Valentina Elverdin, a dentist and orthodontist, has published a video on her TikTok profile explaining the remedy to avoid these stains. According to Elverdin, all you have to do is rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee and you will be able to eliminate the coffee residue.
Coffee, the black gold
Coffee is one of the most sought-after beverages worldwide. Although Italians will never admit it, coffee originates from Ethiopia. It was in the 11th century when the first coffee trees, the coffee plants, were found. This beverage is made through the percolation of hot water through coffee beans, which may have been roasted and ground after being harvested. There are numerous benefits to this drink, as it is high in antioxidants. However, its consumption should be moderate, as it can cause nervousness, insomnia, or even digestive problems. There are many ways to enjoy coffee; black, with milk, cappuccino, iced, with alcohol, and even in desserts, as is the case with tiramisu.
Pros and cons of coffee consumption
Studies have revealed the substantial amount of benefits generated by coffee consumption. Such as its stimulating effect, which can help us if we need concentration and improves our cognitive performance. On the other hand, it is a drink rich in antioxidants, specifically polyphenols, which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Continuing with the topic of diseases, some studies have linked moderate coffee consumption with a lower risk of suffering from cognitive decline diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, as well as cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.
Knowing all this, how can there be drawbacks when taking it? Well, there are. Just as it acts on the nervous system improving concentration, it can also overstimulate it, causing states of nervousness, even leading to insomnia. Furthermore, its acidity can also cause digestive problems. That is why moderation is key.
Does coffee affect your smile?
It actually does. People seem to be clear about the downsides of excessive coffee consumption, but they forget another one. Did you know that coffee can cause stains on your teeth? According to Prunus Dental, “it can cause changes in the color of dental enamel. The tannins in coffee, while having antioxidant properties, also provoke changes in the original tone of the teeth when they adhere to the enamel.” In response to this, the question that coffee lovers ask is, “Can I prevent stains without giving up coffee?” And the answer is yes.
This is indicated by Dentist and Orthodontist Valentina Elverdin on her TikTok profile. This specialist explains that these stains are due to the presence of tannins in coffee, which cling to our teeth, causing those unwanted stains and affecting the enamel. In her video, she explains the simple trick: “I recommend that once you finish, you rinse with water, and that’s it. This way, you will ensure that your teeth do not get stained”. Easy peasy. So if you´re a coffee lover (as I am), you only have to remember to rinse your mouth or even brush your teeth after having your coffee, and you´ll be able to showcase you white and radiant smile!