Coffee, in general, has been a controversial topic in the dental world. If you are particularly someone who can”t imagine starting their day without a cup of coffee, then you probably might wonder if it”s any good for your health.

The truth is that coffee is not always bad; it can boost your energy to kick start the day, improve cardiovascular health, boost liver function, cleanse the stomach, and is also rich in antioxidants. However, their effect on the teeth may be slightly alarming, requiring you to limit your intake and, if thats not possible, follow a strict dental hygiene routine.

This article will list more information on this topic and all you need to know about the exact connection between coffee and dental health.

Coffee Stains Teeth

No sugar-coating is necessary; yes, black coffee will stain your teeth. it has “Tannins,” a type of polyphenol (these are micronutrients found in plant-based foods) that break down in the water. Tannins make color compounds which then stick to the teeth, leaving an unwanted yellow color behind, resulting in teeth stains.

Now, you need to understand that it”s just not coffee that causes these stain. Red wine, black tea, dark-colored juices, soft drinks, berries, beetroot, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce are all food that can stain your teeth.

On the other hand, black coffee is quite acidic, so if you drink a lot, it can actually weaken the enamel protecting the teeth. This creates the perfect environment in your mouth that”s more favorable to bacterial growth, leading to tooth decay and even gum disease.

Lastly, adding sugar can actually worsen its effects on your teeth, as it increases the potential to cause tooth decay, as it fuels the cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Avoiding sugar or sticking to artificial sweeteners like stevia can combat this effect and reduce teeth stains .

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/what-does-coffee-do-to-your-teeth

The effect of Is Not That Significant With Proper Oral Hygiene

The truth is that coffee doesn’t stain your teeth so seriously. In other words, the overall base color of your tooth is not significantly affected by external staining. These stains can easily be removed during your six-monthly teeth cleaning at your dentist. Proper oral hygiene with brushing twice a day and flossing can further reduce the effects of staining.

If you feel you have dark and deeper coffee stains that won”t just go away no matter what you do, you can still reverse them and restore those pearly white teeth with professional-grade teeth-whitening treatments.

https://infinitydental.in/blog/dental/is-teeth-whitening-safe-enhance-smile/(opens in a new tab)

How To Drink Coffee Without Staining The Teeth

The color of your coffee decides how deeply it stains the teeth. So try to add some milk to your coffee and dilute the concentration of coffee. Similarly, your teeth will stain only if the beverage actually touches the teeth, so switching to a straw can prevent stains to a great extent.

This may sound easier said than done, but limiting your coffee consumption is another way to avoid teeth stains. Avoid switching to alternative drinks like green tea or hot-flavored water.

You can also consider eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery that boost saliva production and scrub your teeth naturally, helping to remove stubborn stains.

Lastly, using a better toothbrush, like an electric one, may actually be more effective than regular brushes in removing stains, plaque, and bacteria. However, remember that coffee is acidic and softens the tooth enamel. So give at least 15 minutes after drinking coffee to brush your teeth, giving the enamel enough time to re-harden.

Alongside these, try to make it a regular practice to follow the oral care routine advised by your dentist. If the stains are highly visible, they may suggest the best and most customized treatments to resolve this issue.

At Infinity Dental we offer Laser teeth whitening which is a procedure designed to brighten your teeth.

During the procedure, a teeth whitening gel is applied to your teeth. A laser beam is then directed onto your teeth, which heats up the gel. This activates its whitening properties and alters stain molecules on the teeth.

The goal of laser teeth whitening is to reduce discoloration and make your teeth look whiter.

Talk to our cosmetic dentist at Infinity Dental  Dr. Damini Agarwal best dentist in Lucknow to know more about teeth whitening dental procedures best dental clinic in Lucknow

 If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to have ORAL health problems like cavities and gum disease.If you have diabetes and you’re over 50, your risk is even higher. That’s because dental problems and age go hand in hand, whether or not you have diabetes.The good news is that controlling your diabetes will go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums.And that, in turn, will also help you manage your diabetes.If you have diabetes, keep an eye out for these oral health conditions — especially if you’ve already reached the half-century mark.

Diabetes can arise in individuals at any age. As with all patients, it is recommended that dentists review the patient’s medical history, take vital signs, and evaluate for oral signs and symptoms of inadequately controlled diabetes, which may be common. Oral manifestations of uncontrolled diabetes can include xerostomia, burning sensation in the mouth (which may possibly be related to neuropathy), impaired/delayed wound healing, increased incidence and severity of infections, secondary infection with candidiasis; parotid salivary gland enlargement; gingivitis and/or periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gum disease is the most common DENTAL health problem among people with diabetes. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is when bacteria cause your gums to bleed, turn red, and feel sore. Bacteria love to feast on sugar, turning it into tooth-damaging acid. Uncontrolled diabetes means more sugar in your saliva, and that means a free banquet for bacteria.Regular brushing and flossing,as well as rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash will get rid of it and stop gingivitis in its tracks.

Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more serious type of gum disease that erodes the bone and tissues that support your teeth. In the worst case, you might lose your teeth. Periodontitis can’t be reversed and can’t be treated with brushing and flossing alone. Your dentist will have to get involved.  

Dry Mouth

 Both diabetes and older age (especially if you’re a woman) slow down saliva production. This puts you at risk for dry mouth, which your doctor might call xerostomia. Dry mouth can lead not only to sores and ulcers but also to even more tooth decay and gum disease.

Infection

Bacteria aren’t the only organisms that like sugar. So do fungi, which is why a fungal yeast infection called thrush is common in people with diabetes. Thrush can cause white or red patches on your tongue and inside your cheeks. Sometimes they turn into open sores.If you wear dentures, smoke, or take antibiotics, you may be even more likely to get thrush. The yeast thrives on the extra sugar in your saliva and especially likes moist spots like areas under loose-fitting dentures.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Both thrush and dry mouth can lead to burning mouth syndrome. So can certain medications, including some for high blood pressure. In addition to feeling like you just scalded your mouth with coffee, your mouth could tingle or feel numb. 

Slow Wound Healing 

You may have noticed that wounds and infections take longer to heal. That’s a byproduct of both diabetes and getting older.At the same time, your risk of infection goes up. That plus slower healing means that if something does go wrong with your gums or teeth, it’ll take longer to get better. And it might get worse faster. If you keep your blood sugar in check and brush and floss daily as well as rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash, you’ll stop most tooth and gum disease before it has a chance to set in.

THE TAKEAWAY DIABETES AFFECTS ORAL HEALTH

If you have diabetes its important for you to visit a dentist and get assessed.  Patients with diabetes should obtain regular medical and dental care, including regular dental visits for full evaluation of their dental and periodontal condition. Schedule an appointment at our clinic Infinity Dental Dr.Damini Agarwal best dentist in Lucknow .

Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but your mouth is the gateway to your health. After all, there is a reason why your doctor asks you to open your mouth and say “ahhhh” every time you fall sick. So, go ahead and stick it out and look in the mirror. 

If you are wondering whether your tongue. is “healthy” or not, keep reading to find out more about the signs you should be on the lookout for.

Oral cavity serves important functions, such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, breathing, etc. Together, they provide vital information about every system in your body.

What Your Tongue Can Reveal About Your Overall Health 

1. White Coating on Tongue

Your tongue is supposed to be an exquisite shade of pink. If parts of your tongue appear to be coated in white patches with a cottage cheese-like appearance, this could be oral thrush, a yeast overgrowth that occurs inside the oral cavity. Oral thrush is very common in immunocompromised people and the ones suffering from conditions such as HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled/untreated diabetes, and asthmatics using inhalers.

Leukoplakia  is another condition that can mimic oral thrush. It is characterised by one or more white patches/spots (lesions) on the inside of the mouth. Again very common in the immunocompromised, heavy smokers, areca nut chewers, etc. It is also known to increase the risk of oral cancers, so when in doubt, it is best to consult a specialist/dentist if you notice this symptom.

However, it could just be from not cleaning your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You do that, don’t you? If the whitish coat disappears on thorough cleaning, then you have nothing to worry about.

2. Red Tongue

Most often, a red or purple (not dark pink) tongue is associated with a vitamin deficiency such as folic acid, B12 or iron and the treatment is simple, a vitamin supplement.

it can also imply a fever, strep throat, eczema, or Kawasaki disease. Red patches with white borders (map-like pattern), could be an inflammatory but harmless condition known as ‘geographic tongue’.

3. Irregular Red Bumpy Patches

Bumps or sores especially under your tongue can be ‘canker’ or cold sores. This could occur as a result of biting, tobacco chewing/smoking, stress, or aphthous ulcers. Unless these bumps/sores have been persistent or painful they do not necessitate a visit to the doctor. 

Instead, you can try some DIY/home remedies such as gargling with warm salted water, chewing on mint leaves, or eating something bland and cold (like curd/yogurt). It is best to avoid triggers such as spicy food, soft drinks, and oily or greasy food like french fries. 

Though it may be nothing to worry about, it is best to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider periodically.

4. Black And Hairy Tongue

Yes, sounds strange, but sometimes a protein build-up can turn small bumps into longer strands, trapping food and bacteria resulting in what looks like strands of hair on your tongue. A few causes are – poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer therapy, etc. 

Usually, a good brushing or tongue scraping will take care of it, but if it does not, a trip to the dentist is in order. 

5. Yellow Tongue

It is usually a result of a harmless buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria on the surface of your (papillae). Causes can range from poor oral hygiene, and tobacco smoking to mouth breathing. 

Sometimes, it could be suggestive of systemic illnesses such as jaundice and psoriasis. Schedule a doctor’s visit if the persistent discolouration is bothering you or have other associated symptoms such as fever, or yellowish discolouration of eyes and skin.

6. Dry Tongue

Normally, there should be some sort of glare, but if it’s very dry, you might just see some saliva buildup or a cracked tongue. A dry mouth can be due to:

• A side effect of certain medications such antihistamines, antidepressants, broncho-dilators, muscle-relaxants, etc. 
• Certain diseases and infections such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, Epstein-Barr virus, etc.
• Dehydration due to fever, volume loss due to vomiting, diarrhoea, trauma (blood loss), or severe burns.
• Surgical removal of salivary glands.
• Habits such as smoking or tobacco chewing can decrease the production of saliva. 
• Mouth breathing.

7. Swollen Tongue

If your tongue appears puffier or larger than usual, especially after eating, it could be due to a simple food allergy. A scratchy feeling in the back of the throat can also indicate an allergic reaction. 

Apart from allergies, other potential causes are – trauma/injury, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, certain medications or medical conditions, sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, gonorrhoea, HPV), and GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).

Point to remember: Severe and rapid swelling may be a sign of a potentially life-threatening allergy known as anaphylaxis. This is an emergency and this warrants immediate medical intervention. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health/brushing-your-tongue

The Takeaway

Tongue is a body part that is often overlooked, can provide helpful insights into your overall health. So the next time you get out of the shower, wipe off the mirror, open your mouth, and inspect your tongue. You will be amazed at what you find!

Each time you brush and floss your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue as well. You can brush it with a regular toothbrush or invest in a scraper to remove excess buildup. Our dental team also checks the tongue for signs of oral cancer or other health problems during each dental visit at Infinity Dental.

If you have not had a preventive care exam in more than six months schedule an appointment today at Infinity Dental best dental clinic in Lucknow.

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you and creates that overall first impression. How can we improve our natural smile and what cosmetic dental procedures are available at the dentist?

How do I get a perfect smile naturally?

smile

If you are happy with the size, shape, and alignment of your teeth, then simply make sure you smile often. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and creates that overall first impression on a . Make sure you are taking good care of your oral heath which means looking after your teeth and gums and having regular dental check-ups every twice a year.

How do we get a perfect smile at the dentist?

If you are unhappy with the alignment, shape size or colour of your teeth, there are many options available .

Alignment can be corrected by having Braces  which is the movement of teeth. Movement can be achieved using braces, clear aligners , and other techniques. Another approach to correcting teeth alignment is through the use of restorative procedures, crowns and veneers. In some cases, this may involve trimming down teeth to place the restoration over them and helping to create correct alignment.

In all cases of ‘smile design’, it is always important to discuss the options available and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, as well as costs, to arrive at an informed understanding of what the best approach is for you. Whilst doing a smile design, the dentist will take into consideration many factors, for example the individuals facial appearance and profile, and help design a smile that will be complementary, and you can get an idea of what the final results will be like

 dental veneers and crowns are also effective in helping to correct the shape and colour of teeth. Colour correction is also achieved through dentally prescribed whitening agents. Often, cases may be treated by a combination of approaches, for example, teeth alignment with orthodontics and then colour improvement with teeth whitening . If the shape of the teeth needs adjustment, this can be achieved by simply using white filling material or making veneers.

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-cosmetic-dentistry

Practical WAYS to improve your smile

1. Floss once daily; use a good toothbrush and brush twice a day to keep your gums healthy and your teeth clean.
2. If you smoke, please stop completely. Smoking can stain teeth and affect your gum tissues.
3. Be aware of your diet intake, avoid sugary starchy foods, limit tea coffee, and red wine as these can stain your teeth and cause decay.
4. Relax,stay happy, and let your confidence shine through in your smile.
5. Run your tongue over your teeth before smiling to give them a nice lustre.
6. When taking pictures, top teeth shouldn’t touch the bottom teeth and take pictures from the right angle.
7. If you are considering the use of teeth whitening products, do speak to your dentist first so that they can advise you on how best to use them.

Talk to our cosmetic dentist at Infinity Dental  Dr. Damini Agarwal best dentist in Lucknow to know more about teeth whitening dental procedures best dental clinic in Lucknow

You know that Toothbrushing your teeth is important. But did you know that you might be making mistakes that can cause more harm than good? Toothbrushing mistakes can actually cause problems like gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and weakened tooth enamel.  

Well, brushing might seem like an easy task to do but truth is, most of us brush our pearly whites in the wrong way. Not only we don’t sufficiently remove the plaque accumulated on our teeth, but we might also harm our enamel. On the list that follows you can find the most common brushing mistakes!

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/toothbrushing

1. Using Wrong toothbrush

The most common brushing mistakes is not using the right kind of toothbrush.

There are two styles of toothbrushes to consider: manual and electric. Choose what feels comfortable and motivated to brush your teeth regularly.

A manual toothbrush is portable and ready to use every time you need it. It makes no noise, and you have complete control over the pressure that it puts on your teeth and gums. 

An powered or electric toothbrush requires charging and does make some noise while brushing. The rotating movement of the bristles makes it easier to clean between the teeth and the gum line. Many electric powered toothbrushes come with built in sensors to control how much pressure you are putting on your teeth and timers to indicate how long you should brush for which really makes it handy.

When picking a toothbrush you have to keep in mind :

• Pick a toothbrush with a small head. If the head of the brush is too big it won’t be able to fit in all the areas in your mouth that demands cleaning.
• Don’t Pick one with medium hard bristles. You may think that the harder the bristles the better the cleaning but you are wrong! The harder the bristles, more the damage to your enamel.But infact on other hand if you choose a toothbrush with very soft bristles, you are not cleaning anything is a wrong concept!

2. Very hard and fast brushing

You don’t need to scrub your teeth,you just have to gently clean the food remnants and plaque. Don’t be harsh on them, because you will end up with a destroyed enamel and your teeth will become prone to decay.

3. Storing your toothbrush wet

The problem with storing your toothbrush wet is when you store your toothbrush in a confined space such as a drawer or cabinet and If it stays moist in a small space, it will become a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure it dries before you put your toothbrush away.

Once you are finished brushing your teeth, the American Dental Association suggests to let your toothbrush air dry, upright, not touching any other toothbrush heads or surfaces. Before you start brushing, rinse the bristles of your toothbrush thoroughly with warm water to remove any debris, and do the same after you have finished. The handle of your toothbrush is also quite important. Make sure to often wipe it down and keep it clean

4. Not Replacing your Old toothbrush

It’s important that you change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head about every three to four months. If the bristles are very frayed you should change it sooner. Consider getting a new toothbrush sooner if you have been sick. When in doubt, look at the bristles, if they are frayed, they won’t clean teeth as thoroughly.

5. Using Wrong technique of toothbrushing

It’s a common brushing mistake,going along your teeth, left to right. But this is not effective.

Start from the gum, and go up and down in little circular, up-and-down motions.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Toothbrushing-Tips-for-Young-Children.aspx

6. You forget the tongue and gum line

Bacteria often hang out where your tooth meets your gum. We miss that area a lot.

Brushing your teeth means brushing your whole surface of the tooth. Or at least everything you can get to with your brush.

A lot of people miss this step. Brushing your tongue is also just as important as brushing your teeth. Your tongue is a breeding ground for bacteria as it tends to linger on your tongue. Make cleaning your tongue part of your routine after you brush your teeth. 

7. Wrong time of brushing

It’s intriguing, sometimes, to immediately run to the restroom to get rid of the remnants of that meal you just had.

That’s better than not brushing at all. But still, this is not quite healthy and here is why.

Two minutes twice a day is the recommended duration for a tooth brushing session. 

2 minutes is recommended for a reason. Any brushing duration shorter than 2 minutes does not give the optimum fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to do its job and attach to the enamel surface in your teeth. 

So brush your pearly whites two minutes, set a timer, play a song. Whatever helps you stick to the 2 minute rule.

8.You don’t stick to your daily hygiene routine

It is very usual for you to get bored or be in a rush and you neglect your oral care regime. But is it really worth it to destroy your smile over boredom?

Try to follow your routine at least once a day, your whole routine though. Toothbrushing-Flossing-Mouthwash.

Be consistent

Be healthy

Talk to our cosmetic dentist at Infinity Dental  Dr. Damini Agarwal best dentist in Lucknow to know more about oral care regime at the best dental clinic in Lucknow

In this blog we are going to learn more about that how to clean teeth using charcoal toothpaste:

There are many kinds of toothpaste available today containing charcoal in one or the other form that offer health and aesthetic benefits which are not available in any other toothpaste. Manufacturers claim that these dentifrices can help to reduce tooth decay, help with the tooth remineralization process and even improve the whitening of the teeth.

Many of these toothpaste does not contain fluoride, a recent comprehensive search of the literature found the truth on all these claims to be somewhat the opposite!

1. There are no scientific studies or any confirmation to support any of these facts. Actually, the majority of these will do exactly the opposite!
2. It is a well-recognized fact that charcoal consists of various polyaromatic hydrocarbons, some of which are considered human carcinogens!!

Dr.Damini Agarwal best dentist in Lucknow tells “Charcoal particles can also get trapped up in the gums and irritate them.”

Researchers have been constantly looking into studies involving charcoal toothpaste with the results involving many risks associated with these products. The first risk associated with these products is tooth decay. A greater part of charcoal products do not contain fluoride, which is a remineralizing agent that helps to prevent tooth decay and sensitivity issues related to teeth.

Next, is these products may cause unanticipated discoloration of teeth. Fundamentally these products have a high abrasive level, damaging the enamel of the tooth which is the protective layer of the tooth. Once this layer is damaged or lost it becomes roughen and more susceptible to staining with decay. This can often happen over time as you are using these products.

The concerns about the abrasive nature of charcoal, say that it could potentially damage enamel if used regularly, as well as its tendency to absorb all sorts of things that come into its contact including good things like medications. However, if you are living in an area with optimum fluoride in your drinking water and visit a dentist once or twice a year, you’d likely be brushing fine.

Avoid any of such toothpaste or other dental health care products containing charcoal in any form.

Feel free to discuss this with us at your next visit. At Infinity Dental we are always available to address any concerns you have about the proper method of brushing. Don’t hesitate to ask us the next time you visit our clinic at Infinity Dental’s best dental clinic.