Are you wondering why pearly whites are becoming pearly off-whites. Your desk mug could hold the key to the solution.
Drinks high in acid such as coffee and soda can have a long-lasting negative impact on the appearance and health teeth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), enamel erosion can be caused by acidic beverages and foods. Some dentists warn that coffee and high-acid soft drinks can speed up the development cavities.
“Teeth become susceptible to cavities when the acid level of the saliva falls below a certain point,” said Dr. T. Richard Ziehmer, a dentist in Tucson, Ariz. “If the acid level of the saliva stays below this point for an extended period of time, the outer layers of tooth structure begin to lose minerals and a cavity can form. Beverages that are high in sugar and acid content can cause the pH level of the saliva to reach this critical point.”
Coffee manufacturers are now offering low-acid coffees that retain a full-bodied taste.
Tyler’s Coffee, for example (www.tylerscoffees.comOnly low-acid roasts are sold by ). The company uses a “Z-roasting”The process optimizes how long the coffee beans take to cook. According to company officials, the result is a brew with high levels of caffeine but low levels of acid.
Ziehmer suggests Tyler’s Coffee as an alternative to acidic drinks. However, Ziehmer warns his patients against drinking beverages that are high-in acid or sugar. He also notes that it’s better to drink it quickly than to cause damage to your teeth.
“The worst thing anyone can do is to sip these types of beverages,” Ziehmer said. “However, it is not very practical for someone to drink a hot cup of coffee quickly, so a coffee beverage that is free of acid, sugar or non-dairy creamer could decrease a person’s risk for developing cavities.”
Tyler’s Coffee can be reached at 520-903-2739.
