Too much iced coffee in summer? It may cool you down — but rot your teeth

As summer heat intensifies, more people are reaching for iced Americanos and ice cream to stay cool. But dentists warn that these refreshing treats can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease if consumed excessively without proper oral care. Tooth decay, or dental caries, occurs when the enamel — the outermost layer of the tooth — becomes eroded by acids. These acids are produced when bacteria in the mouth break down sugar, creating an acidic environment that weakens the enamel. One of the body’s best defenses against this process is saliva, which neutralizes acid and helps remineralize teeth. However, high temperatures can cause dehydration, reducing saliva production. “In summer, people tend to consume a lot of iced Americanos, but coffee is highly acidic and also acts as a diuretic,” said Kim Hyun-jung, a professor in the Department of Conservative Dentistry at Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital. “With dehydration already lowering saliva levels, drinking coffee can further dry out the mouth, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive,” she said. When cavitWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times