Introduction/Background
Coffee has long been one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages. Research by the National Coffee Association found that 77% of Americans aged 18 and over drink coffee on any given day, with Generation Xers having the highest coffee consumption. With its potential to energize, coffee is a favorite choice to help people start their day on the right foot. Yet, those wearing braces must wonder – can people with braces drink coffee?
While the answer to this question is ‘yes’, it is unfortunately not that straightforward of an answer. Braces, which are designed to move and straighten teeth, are made of metal and can cause staining as well as offer additional challenges to one’s oral hygiene. As we will discuss, coffee and other foods and liquids can cause staining and cause further issues for those with braces. Taking all these factors into consideration, it is best for those with braces to be aware of the potential dangers of drinking coffee and other food, and to consider making changes to their diet and routine to minimize potential damage.
Effects of Coffee on Braces
High levels of caffeine, found in coffee and many other beverages, can cause staining to teeth and braces. Coffee’s naturally acidic content can also further accelerate the amounts of staining that dental plaque can cause to braces. Furthermore, the dark color of coffee can be particularly difficult to remove from metal braces.
Coffee’s acidic content can also cause damage to the teeth, gums, and the metal components of braces. Thus, it is essential that individuals with braces properly blow-dry their mouth and teeth, especially after drinking coffee, as saliva can cause acidic residue to cling to teeth and braces.
Making Healthy Choices
While it is okay to drink coffee with braces, people should be aware that drinking coffee or any other sugary or acidic beverage or food can increase the chances of developing cavities. The combination of metal braces, colored toothpaste, and sugary and acidic beverages and food can exacerbate tooth decay and plaque build-up, potentially resulting in more intensive dental treatment in the long run.
To prevent such scenarios, individuals with braces should make healthy dietary choices. It is recommended that individuals brush their teeth after every meal, and make sure to floss and use mouthwash to combat plaque and bacteria. Additionally, individuals wearing metal braces should consider purchasing drinks like bottled water and milk to ensure their teeth do not become stained or suffer other potential damage.
Managing Coffee Intake
While making healthy dietary choices is important, it is also necessary to manage one’s coffee intake. Toothpaste, mouthwash, and flossing can help to prevent staining and plaque build-up, but reduced coffee intake and avoiding excessive consumption of sugary or acidic food and beverages is the ideal way to keep teeth and braces in optimal condition.
It is advised that individuals with braces increase their intake of water and milk, and minimize the amount of coffee consumed. As water and milk help to neutralize and cleanse the teeth and braces from acidic content, coffee, which acts the opposite, should be kept to a minimum.
Manage Coffee Consumption with Alternative Options and Timings
It is possible to enjoy coffee even with traditional metal braces. However, limiting and managing the amount of coffee consumed will be beneficial to individuals with braces. For instance, those with braces can try cold brew coffee as an alternative to traditional coffee. Cold brew coffee contains 30% less acid, resulting in 65-65% less staining than traditional warm coffee drinks.
Additionally, to reduce the amount of staining caused by coffee, individuals with braces should consider drinking coffee in the morning. During the morning hours, saliva production is at its peak, which will help to neutralize any acidic content build-up and reduce staining risk.
Consider Professional Cleanings and Alternate Treatments
It is important to seek advice from a dental specialist as soon as possible to discuss the risks of stains and plaque build-up that can be caused by drinking coffee and eating other sugary or acidic foods and drinks with braces. Professionals like dentists and orthodontists often recommend that individuals use special cleaning treatments prior to and after drinking coffee or eating sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
Individuals should make sure to attend regular professional cleaning appointments and use recommended health aids to prevent further damage from occurring to braces and teeth. Invisalign and ceramic braces are potential options if traditional metal braces are causing too much damage to teeth or gums due to frequent contact with acidic food and beverages.
Coffee Intake and Habits
In order to maintain healthy braces and teeth, individuals should not drink coffee on an empty stomach. It is important to understand that consuming sugary or acidic food and beverages on an empty stomach can worsen the chances of staining and other issues associated with consumption. Instead, individuals should not consume coffee until they have brushed their teeth either after breakfast or lunch in order to minimize the negative effects on teeth and braces.
It is additionally recommended that those with metal braces limit their consumption of coffee and other sugary and acidic beverages and food to three servings per day, with snacks to help keep enamel on teeth strong and to help with digestion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with a few modifications and everyday habits, individuals with metal braces can also enjoy coffee. It is necessary to reduce one’s consumption of coffee and other sugary or acidic beverages and food while wearing metal braces, and to ensure optimal oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and seeking professional guidance when needed. With a few strategies and practices, individuals with metal braces can enjoy the benefits of coffee in a safe and healthy manner.
