February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The National Children’s Dental Health Month is a…
Love Coffee and Wine but Hate the Stains on Your Teeth?
Coffee and red wine are two favorite drinks of many adults. While they might taste great, they are not very easy on your teeth. Excessive or long-term consumption of either drink can equal unsightly stains on your teeth. Aside from giving up your favorite drinks altogether, there are a few simple things that you can do to prevent the stains.
Use Straws
Straw use obviously does not pertain to hot coffee or even red wine, but switching to iced coffee can allow you to enjoy your cup of Joe without damaging your teeth. Sipping through a straw bypasses the enamel of your teeth and the constant swishing of the staining ingredients which allows them to remain on your enamel. Even if you switch one or two cups of your coffee to iced coffee with a straw, you can decrease the amount of staining that occurs.
Stay Hydrated
Staying well hydrated is important for anyone, but is especially important for your oral health if you drink a lot of coffee or red wine. In between your cups of coffee or sips of wine at night, drink a glass of water. This allows the acid that forms from the coffee and wine to be washed away, limiting the damage that they do to your teeth.
Chew Your Food
Rather than only consuming liquids, try to eat with your coffee or wine. Hard or abrasive foods, such as apples and celery, help the acid to be scrubbed away. This occurs with the excessive chewing that these types of food require, as you chew, they rub against the enamel and cause the acid to be pushed away.
Chew Gum
Sugarless gum that is approved by the ADA can also help to prevent tooth damage. Keep a pack of gum handy and pop a piece in after every acidic drink. This allows the production of saliva to be increased in your mouth, which helps to push the acid away.
Of utmost importance is keeping your regular dental appointments with our office. Regular checkups and cleanings can help to keep your teeth healthy. It allows us the chance to notice early signs of wear and tear on your enamel and to help you determine what steps you should change in order to decrease further damage, leaving you with unsightly stains on your teeth.
Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.