Consequences of Drinking Coffee Before Brushing Teeth
Coffee is the most consumed beverage around the world and of course, brushing teeth twice a day is essential for dental hygiene. But is it safe for you to drink coffee before brushing teeth?
There are many people who prefer to drink their morning coffee first, then brush their teeth. While it’s understandable, the results can range from beneficial to damaging. There are a few different possible consequences and they vary depending on the individual, their lifestyle and general oral health.
First and foremost, let’s discuss the issue at hand. Generally, experts recommend to wait 30 minutes after consuming or rinsing with a coffee beverage before brushing your teeth. Drinking coffee can temporarily raise the pH balance of your mouth and make it more acidic. Acidic environments can harm your enamel and can actually corrode and erode the enamel of your teeth, leading to greater risk for cavities and other dental issues.
On the other hand, the acids present in coffee may offer better contact with the tooth enamel. Research has indicated that the acids in coffee can suspend food particles and help to break down bigger ones, making them easier to brush away while retaining some limited enamel-shielding benefits, preventing tooth decay and aiding in oral hygiene.
Another factor to consider is the amount of coffee you drink. If you only drink a small amount, the possibility of doing any harm to your teeth is lessened. On the other hand, too much coffee can make it more difficult to rinse away, making it more difficult to brush off during your cleaning routine.
Ultimately, the timeframe between coffee and brushing teeth is going to vary depending on the individual, their lifestyle and their end goal. Many dental hygienists would suggest that a waiting period of around 30 minutes would be appropriate for maximum overall benefit; a period recognized by the American Dental Association.
Coffee and Oral Health
Research has provided us with a decent understanding of the relationship between coffee and oral health. We know that coffee has many components that can lead to potential issues with teeth and gums. Some of the instances include an increase in tooth erosion, an increase in cavity formation, and a decrease in beneficial bacteria.
The acidity of coffee can exacerbate the risk for tooth erosion and weaken the enamel of your teeth. Coffee often contains high levels of sugar and other sweeteners that can attract bacteria that work to break down your teeth, adding further risk to your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that you wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking coffee to allow any acidity to diminish before attempting to brush away the residue.
The natural dyes found within coffee can stain teeth, making them look less white. Studies have indicated that dark coffee beverages can discolor teeth over time, leading to more yellowed teeth. However, brushing teeth immediately after drinking coffee hampers the ability to remove these stains, even with toothpastes that are specifically formulated for whitening your teeth.
Pros and Cons of Drinking Coffee Before Brushing Teeth
When it comes to drinking coffee before brushing teeth, there are both risks and benefits that come with the territory.
The pros of drinking coffee before brushing teeth include fewer chances of developing cavities due to increasingly high acidity levels, improved contact with the tooth enamel, and easier brushing of food particles.
The cons of drinking coffee before brushing include an increased risk of tooth erosion, an increased risk of cavities, staining of teeth, and an alteration of natural saliva pH levels.
However, it is always important to remember that each individual’s oral health profile is different. Factors such as tooth enamel strength, saliva production, and overall oral health habits determine the risk level involved with consuming coffee before brushing. Everyone should discuss the matter with their dentist or dental hygienist before making a decision.
Effects of Coffee on Saliva pH and Tooth Decay
As we have discussed, the consequences of drinking coffee before brushing your teeth vary based on the individual. One consequence in particular is the effects of coffee on tea pH and tooth decay.
Saliva helps to protect and naturally clean your teeth, but when the acidity level gets too high, it can be harmful. Studies have found that coffee can reduce the pH levels of saliva, and in a very acidic environment, bacteria can begin to build up, leading to the risk for cavity formation. The increase in cavity formation can occur even in people with strong enamel who never normally experience decay.
In fact, studies demonstrate that the pH levels of saliva, when exposed to coffee and other sugary beverages, decrease to the acidic point where bacteria can start to erode the enamel of teeth. It is important to note, however, that this can be avoided when waiting 30 minutes after consuming coffee before brushing your teeth.
Does Coffee Need To Be Avoided Before Brushing?
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on the individual. For many, drinking coffee first thing in the morning before brushing their teeth is a daily habit. As long as you wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, the potential risks to your teeth can be mitigated. Of course, discussing this with your dentist or dental hygienist is the best way to find out what the best practice is for your individual oral health profile.
Other Factors to Consider When Drinking Coffee Before Brushing
There are some other factors to consider when drinking coffee before brushing. For instance, if you decide to go ahead with drinking your morning cup of coffee before brushing, it is important to remember to rinse your mouth when you are done.
Rinsing your mouth with plain water, or water mixed with a slight bit of baking soda, can help to neutralize the acidity in your mouth and reduce the chances of those acids destroying enamel or eroding away your teeth. Additionally, choose darker colored coffees, as these tend to be less acidic, which will help to protect against the risk and wear of enamel due to acids.
Tips and Tricks for Drinking Coffee Before Brushing Teeth
There are a few steps that you can take to reduce the potential risks to your teeth when drinking coffee before brushing teeth.
Firstly, try to avoid adding extra sugar or sweeteners to your coffee. This is not only good for your overall health, but also for your teeth, since sugar and other sweeteners attract bacteria that can break down your teeth. Secondly, rinse your mouth out with plain water after drinking coffee to neutralize the acidity. Finally, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, to provide ample time for the acidity levels of your mouth to drop.
Additionally, while brushing your teeth, using a toothbrush with soft bristles will help to further protect your enamel. Soft bristles allow you to brush your teeth without putting too much pressure on them, which can further protect them from plaque and other risks.
Precautions to Take When Drinking Coffee Before Brushing Teeth
When consuming coffee before brushing teeth, there are a few extra precautions one should take.
First, it is important to use a toothpaste specifically formulated for people with sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain lower levels of abrasive ingredients, which help to protect your enamel from wear and tear. Secondly, make sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush. Using a brush with hard bristles can increase wear and tear on your teeth’s surface, making it easier for bacteria and acid to cause damage.
Lastly, limit your consumption of coffee and dark colored beverages if you plan to brush shortly after. Coffee and tea consumption can lead to the discoloration of your teeth over time if brushed too soon after consumption.
Everyone’s oral health profile is incredibly unique, so it is important to speak to your dentist or dental hygienist and find out what the best practice is for you. As long as you are mindful of your oral health habits, you can enjoy coffee without doing damage to your teeth and gums.
