We’ve all heard that coffee stains teeth. We’ve also heard that soda isn’t good for our mouths, either. But is one worse than the other? Your Pella cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, weighs in on which is worse, coffee or soda.
Why Soda Can Cause Tooth Decay
Two factors make soda a contributor to tooth decay. First, soda is an acidic beverage. The acid in soda strips away enamel from teeth, exposing the yellower under-layer of dentin. Soda drinkers may find that their teeth yellow over time because of a loss of enamel. The high concentration of sugar in soda also contributes to tooth decay. Bacteria love to feast on sugar, and when they do, they give off an acid byproduct that attacks enamel and can cause cavities. Soda drinkers should be careful of how much soda they consume.
Is Coffee a Better Option?
While coffee isn’t great for your teeth, it may be a better option than soda, especially if you don’t add very much sugar. However coffee is still acidic, and if you are a habitual coffee drinker and drink it five times a day, you may experience tooth decay. But in small amounts coffee may actually do some good for your mouth. Coffee contains trigonelline, chlorogenic acid, and nicotinic acid, all of which keep bacteria from attaching to your teeth and aid in preventing tooth decay. If consumed in excess, however, the acid in coffee may do more harm than good. The dark pigment of coffee can also stain teeth after extended exposure to a tooth with weakened enamel. However, because soda has a dark pigment that can stain teeth, coffee is the better choice of beverage, between the two, for overall dental health. Just be sure not to add too much sugar, drink it in moderation, and if you do have stained teeth, visit Dr. Allen to discuss teeth whitening options.
Schedule a Visit with Your Pella Dentist
Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.
Source: http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/pop-versus-coffee