{"id":194,"date":"2019-09-04T18:16:22","date_gmt":"2019-09-04T18:16:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/?p=194"},"modified":"2019-10-04T18:20:08","modified_gmt":"2019-10-04T18:20:08","slug":"hot-drinks-and-are-they-bad-for-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhowarddds.com\/blog\/2019\/09\/04\/hot-drinks-and-are-they-bad-for-your-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Coffee, Tea, and Pumpkin Spice: Are Hot Drinks Bad For My Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As the temperatures cool down outside, it\u2019s likely you\u2019re\npreparing by pulling out the blankets, slipping on your comfy house shoes, stoking\na fire, and warming your taste buds with a deliciously warm beverage. While your\nfavorite coffee may taste good going down, it and other hot drinks<\/a> can\nbe damaging to your oral health. Find out how and what you can do to prevent\nyour teeth from the negative effects of these tasty warm-weather concoctions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Negative Effects of Hot Drinks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you take a sip of that warm cup of hot chocolate,\nmaybe you should consider how it impacts your pearly white smile. Cosmetic\ndentistry is filled with patients who want a better-looking smile because of\nyears of smoking or consuming dark-colored beverages and foods. Restorative\ndentistry is also full of people who have experienced decay because of poor\noral hygiene and diet. If you want to know the truth about these hot drinks,\nhere is how they can negatively impact your oral health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stains and Discoloration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you opt for coffee instead of water, you\u2019re running the\nrisk of stains developing on your teeth, especially if you forgo brushing or rinsing\nimmediately after consuming. Stain-causing foods and drinks can leave behind tiny\nremnants that can build on your teeth over time and lead to increased staining\nover the years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth Decay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anytime you consume anything with sugar, it serves as a breeding\nground for bacteria to build and spread. From coffee to tea to chocolate-filled\ndrinks, the sugar that is added to these beverages can lead to tooth decay and\nultimately, cavities forming. While coffee without the added cream and sugar\ncan actually protect your teeth from disease, the moment you start to add\nanything else to it, you put your teeth at risk for decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to Protect Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In order to protect\nyour teeth this Fall, you\u2019ll need to take the appropriate steps. While you may\nbe unable to completely avoid these tempting drinks, there are things you can\ndo to minimize the negative impact on your health, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n