Coffee has many benefits to your overall health, such as a positive effect on mental health, a source of antioxidants, and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (Health.com). With all of these health benefits and more, what happens, though, to our teeth when we drink coffee?

Coffee Can Erode Your Teeth

Drinking too much coffee can have adverse effects on your dental health and the appearance of your smile. Coffee is acidic. Acidic drinks of any kind, especially coffee, break down the enamel, the tooth’s outer layer (Health.com). Coffee increases your risk of developing cavities because it introduces bacteria and acids into your mouth. Because of the acidity, coffee, over time, erodes tooth enamel causing sensitivity and brittle teeth.

Your body naturally neutralizes the acidity from coffee with saliva, but if you sip your coffee over long periods of time during the day, you aren’t letting your saliva neutralize the acid. Dr. Tyler Hales in Fortune.com’s article states, “When you drink your coffee, it’s better to drink it quicker than slower simply because the longer the coffee is on your teeth, the more of an acidic environment it’s causing.”  

Coffee Can Stain Your Teeth

In addition, coffee specifically has what is called tannins, molecules that give coffee a darker color, and thereby stain your teeth (Health.com). Any acidic drinks that erode your enamel contribute to discoloration since the tooth’s protective barrier is weakened or gone. You might have seen this effect in tea and wine, which also contains tannins.

Unfortunately, adding cream or milk to your coffee will not prevent staining. The same pigments and acids are present in all varieties of coffee. Plus, cream and sugar promote the growth of bacteria, which is not good for your overall dental health.  

Coffee Can Cause Bad Breath

Drinking coffee doesn’t just affect your teeth. Coffee can cause bad breath or halitosis; it actually sticks to the tongue and lingers in the mouth causing the foul odor. To avoid these dental health concerns, brush your teeth after drinking your morning cup (or two). Dr. Robles from Health.com’s article states not too soon after drinking, though. You’ll want to wait about 10-15 minutes after drinking in order to give your mouth time to neutralize the acidity in your mouth.

How Can You Prevent Coffee From Damaging Your Teeth?

There are a few things you can do to limit or avoid damaging your teeth and still enjoy coffee.  

• Limit coffee consumption to one or two cups per day.

• Reduce the contact between the coffee and your teeth by using a straw.  

• Drink coffee one time during the day, not continually throughout the day.  

• Drink your coffee quicker.

• Cut the sweetener back.

• Drink a lot of water after coffee consumption.  

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for preventative care.  

If you are experiencing tooth damage or discoloration, ask us how we can address it during your next visit, and we’ll work with you toward a solution. Along with proper oral hygiene, our cosmetic dentistry offerings can help you restore your smile to a bright white.  

Contact us today to schedule your next appointment with Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee and start your journey to a healthier, whiter smile.

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