Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages on the planet, with a whopping 400 billion cups downed annually! But as popular and beloved as coffee is, it’s not exactly great for your smile and is notorious for causing various oral health issues. That said, do you have to give up coffee entirely to have a healthy and bright smile? Not necessarily! In celebration of National Coffee Day this September 29th, here’s more from your dentist about how coffee influences your dental health and some tips for enjoying it in a healthier fashion.
Is Drinking Coffee Bad for My Smile?
Coffee has a lot to offer; it’s hot (or cold if you prefer), delicious, and capable of energizing you throughout your daily escapades. But sadly, it also comes with a few risks that endanger your smile and overall oral health, including:
- Stained teeth – Coffee is known for containing staining agents that spell bad news for your pearly whites. Since your enamel is covered in microscopic ridges and pits, the particles from coffee can actually embed themselves and become trapped, discoloring your teeth. This discoloration is referred to as “extrinsic staining” since it affects the enamel layer of your teeth.
- Dry mouth/foul breath – Drinking coffee inhibits your mouth’s production of saliva, which can cause dry mouth. And a dry mouth is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to bad breath accompanied by a bitter taste.
- Enamel erosion – Coffee also encourages bacteria in the mouth to create acids, which leads to tooth and enamel erosion. Without this protective layer of enamel, your teeth are more fragile and susceptible to all kinds of problems.
- Tooth decay & cavities – Since coffee often has high amounts of sugar, usually because of additives, it promotes an ideal environment inside your mouth for cavity-causing bacteria.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee the Healthy Way
If you’d prefer to continue drinking coffee in spite of the oral health risks, don’t worry—there are quite a few things you can do to lessen its negative effects and enjoy it in a healthier way:
- Drink coffee in moderation – Like most things in life, you should strive to enjoy coffee in moderation; one cup in the morning, and perhaps another small cup in the afternoon, is a good limit to self-impose. This will keep the bacteria inside of your mouth under control.
- Finish your coffee quickly – You shouldn’t sip your coffee throughout the day; this only increases your teeth’s exposure to the drink! Aim to finish drinking your coffee within 15 or 20 minutes.
- Eat plenty of mouth-healthy foods – Certain foods can actually offset some of the negative effects of drinking coffee. Raw fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots, celery, etc.) that have natural fiber and plenty of vitamins and minerals can actively reduce bacterial growth.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene – The most important thing you can do to offset the negative effects of drinking coffee is practice great oral hygiene every single day. Brush, floss, and drink plenty of water—having a glass directly after finishing your coffee rinses out and rebalances the pH levels inside your mouth.
If you’re a regular coffee fiend and can’t imagine life without your favorite beverage, don’t worry—knowing how it affects your oral health will go a long way towards protecting your smile from its potentially negative consequences.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy received her dental doctorate from the NYU College of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Carrollton, TX area for over a decade now! Dr. Chandy is also an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including preventive, cosmetic, restorative options and more. To schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone: (972) 492-6700.