4 tooth truths and tips about coffee and your oral health

At John E Russo DMD’s office, we get many questions from enthusiastic coffee drinkers. They want to know if their morning jolt can cause tooth decay. There seems to be a new study every day extolling coffee’s virtues or exploring its “dark side.” As dental professionals, you can trust our team’s knowledge about this can’t-live-without-it beverage. So, we’re happy to share four truths and tips about coffee and oral health with our extended dental “family” in Orlando, Florida.

No. 1: Coffee supports the gums that support our teeth!

Coffee in its natural state contains compounds that can positively affect periodontal or gum health. You cannot have healthy teeth without healthy gums. Coffee promotes the good condition of the soft tissues that protect and stabilize your teeth as the chlorogenic acids inhibit gum disease’s main causes: harmful bacteria like P. gingivalis.

No. 2: The “additives” in coffee can be problematic.

Coffee can be a protective factor, which helps to decrease the risk of oral disease and even systemic diseases among certain patients who are not pregnant, or who do not suffer from chronic heartburn and insomnia. However, we are talking about coffee in its “natural form.” Coffee and tea frequently make the list of foods/beverages damaging to the teeth; however, that is at least partly because of the tendency to drown the black stuff in sugars and sugary syrups. These sugars contribute to the development of progressive tooth decay.

No. 3: Choose your coffee wisely.

Coffee is also an acidic drink. Many beverages and foods considered healthy for your body, from citrus to kombucha, can threaten your teeth due to the acids present in them. These acidic, low pH options are generally more damaging to enamel than those beverages and foods that are less acidic (or “basic”) with a higher pH. For example, the most “erosive” drinks are sodas, lemonade, and sugary fruit drinks. These products have a pH of less than “3” on a scale of “0” to “14” (the lower the number, the more acidic the beverage). Coffee largely has an average pH of 4.85 to 5.1. However, since it can be prepared in many ways, some coffees are far more acidic than others. Reach for drinks that are:

• Brewed with dark roast beans instead of light roast ones
• Cold-brewed rather than hot
• Brewed longer, as shorter brew times correlate with higher acidity
• Made from coarsely-ground versus finely-ground beans
• Brewed at lower temperatures

No. 4: Incorporate good habits into your coffee-drinking routine.

Don’t give up on your coffee! Instead, take some steps when drinking your java or other acidic treats to minimize the risk of decay. For instance, “chase” these beverages with good ol’ H20. This will help to rinse away the acids. Also, if you must sip your drinks, minimize the length of time the liquid comes in contact with your teeth. So, sip the coffee and swallow. Don’t swish it around. It’s also a good idea to accompany these acidic drinks with snacks such as dairy that help to neutralize the acids. And be sure to wait at least an hour before brushing after consuming erosive foods and beverages. This habit protects your teeth by giving a natural cleanser (saliva) a chance to rinse away the acids and to re-harden your tooth’s protective armor or enamel.

For more information about coffee and oral health, contact the office of John E. Russo, DMD today. Our team in Orlando, FL, can be reached at (407) 470-1224.

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