Can you start your day without that first cup of joe? Over 54% of Americans drink coffee and spend an average of over $1000 dollars a year on the beverage. But is all that coffee good for you? Your Livonia cosmetic dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains the risks, and surprising health benefits, of coffee consumption.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Recent studies have revealed that coffee can aid in the prevention of certain oral cancers. The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study showing that people who drink four or more cups a day decrease their chances of developing oral cancer by 49%.
Janet Hildebrand, an author of the study, said: “Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and contains a variety of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other biologically active compounds that may help to protect against development or progression of cancers.”
The Downside of Java
Aside from potential cancer prevention, coffee does offer two negative side-effects: bad breath and stained teeth. When a person drinks a cup of java, the caffeine content dries up the saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth of harmful bacteria and rinses away food particles. Without saliva, bacteria break down food particles and release a foul odor. Over time, the dark pigment of coffee also leaves yellow stains on teeth.
Brighten Your Smile
Your Livonia cosmetic dentist, Dr. Stewart, offers a variety of teeth-whitening systems. Dr. Stewart provides both in-office and at-home teeth whitening to remove permanent stains from your smile. As an alternative to bleaching, porcelain veneers are hand-crafted, thin wafers permanently attached over the front of your teeth. Not only do veneers erase stains, but they reshape teeth and correct chips or odd spacing. Veneers are known as instant smile makeover or instant orthodontics. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stewart, and he can help you decide the best route for brightening your smile.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Livonia Dentist
Do you have embarrassing coffee stains on your teeth? Dr. Stewart provides patients with the latest in cosmetic dentistry. Contact our 48154 dentist office. Schedule an appointment today by calling (734) 425-4400. We serve patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.