How Does Coffee Affect Your Teeth? We Lay Down the Facts

Are you wondering how to maintain a healthy smile without giving up your favorite beverage? Enjoying coffee and maintaining good oral health is possible—it just takes a little extra care. If you can’t give up coffee, follow the tips below to minimize damage.

• Drink in moderation: Stick to a maximum of one or two cups daily. Use a straw to minimize direct contact with your teeth. Also, ensure you rinse your mouth with water after taking your coffee. Brushing is even better, but do it 30 minutes after drinking your coffee. This ensures you don’t brush into your softened enamel.
• Observe good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once daily to reach mouth surfaces your toothbrush can’t. You can also consider an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Keep your mouth hydrated: Coffee can cause a dry mouth (xerostomia), so it’s essential to drink adequate water to counteract coffee’s dehydration effects. Moreover, chewing sugar-free gum should be considered to increase saliva production.
• Attend routine dental cleanings: Brushing and flossing alone aren’t enough to keep your mouth healthy—even if you don’t take coffee. Visit your dentist every six months or sooner for regular dental cleanings. These cleanings remove surface stains and plaque from hard-to-reach mouth surfaces.
• Try alternatives: Do you want to preserve your oral health but still need an energy boost? Ditch coffee and try matcha, green, or herbal tea.