Dr. Dave,
My name is Flora, I’m a 43 year old woman who is a coffee and wine drinker. I drink 2-3 cups of coffee each morning, and frequently enjoy a glass or two of red wine to wind down before bed. On the weekends, my neighbors and I love to get together for dinner and wine tastings. I am afraid this lifestyle may have a negative impact on the color of my teeth and my tooth enamel. I have noticed that my teeth have become more and more discolored through the years, even though I seek professional dental cleaning twice a year. Should I be worried, and what should I do to whiten my teeth without harming my teeth enamel?
Hi Flora,
Thanks for asking these great questions! Well, as a 43 year old women, you’re certainly not alone with your dental worries. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), almost two-thirds of patients seeking cosmetic dentistry are female, with over half of the patients being between the ages of 41 and 60 years of age. So, you fall directly into the demographic for people who are self-conscious about both the appearance, and health of their teeth. In addition to those stats, recent research also shows that 75% of people feel an unattractive smile could potentially harm their chances for success in their career.
That being said, it’s fine to worry about the appearance and health of your teeth, as it is completely natural among most patients, especially given your age. I am pleased to hear that you seek professional dental cleaning at least twice a year. Finding a dentist who can provide regular professional dental cleaning at least twice a year is very important for patients of all age. Chances are, if your dentist hasn’t mentioned the status of your tooth enamel, you should be OK in that category. For the constant consumption of coffee and wine, there’s nothing wrong with it. It sounds like you’re consuming a healthy amount of these beverages. Both are very high in anti-oxidants, and as long as you aren’t abusing the beverages each day (which it sounds like you aren’t), your health and your tooth enamel should be fine.
In regards to the discoloration of your teeth, at your age, and with the amount of coffee and red wine you are consuming, some tooth discoloration is absolutely expected. To get your smile back to its naturally white, and bright appearance, I would recommend you find a cosmetic dentist for professional teeth whitening treatments no more than 2-3 times a year. These treatments, while certainly effective, are made of strong chemical substances that can damage tooth enamel if used too often. However, using them sparingly each year will provide great results with little damage to your teeth. Learn more at this link: Aetna dentist kirkland