The Impact of Drinking Coffee Directly After Brushing Teeth
Coffee is enjoyed daily by millions of people around the world. It is a popular pick-me-up in the morning and often some of the first thing people reach for after brushing their teeth. But how soon after brushing is it safe to drink coffee? The truth is, there are a few factors you should consider before taking your first sip.
Manufacturers of toothpaste advise that it is best to wait an hour or two before drinking or eating anything. This is due to the presence of abrasive materials in the toothpaste which will remain on your teeth and can cause irritation if they are exposed to other fluids too soon. The acidity of the coffee – especially if it contains flavouring such as chocolate – can slow down the protective enamel and cause havoc on your teeth.
For this reason, it is advised you wait at least 30 minutes after brushing before having a cup of coffee. This allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to strengthen the protective enamel on your teeth, as well as giving it time to dissolve off the teeth. If you have just applied filter, gel or whitening strips to your teeth, it is recommended that you wait two hours before having a beverage, so that the materials can properly adhere before being in contact with other fluids.
Dentists also recommend that people rinse out their mouth after brushing, in order to avoid any toothpaste particles being left behind and causing irritation. It is wise that people also avoid brushing their teeth directly after drinking coffee, as this acid will already be on the surface of the teeth and any brushing could cause the enamel to weaken.
It is important to bear in mind that coffee is a heavily pigmented beverage, meaning that the particles which cause staining are very present even within light-coloured roast coffees. If you do not wash out your mouth directly after drinking coffee, these particles will be in contact with your tooth enamel for longer, causing more damage and staining.
The Impacts of Caffeine
The health of your teeth does not just depend on the ingredients of your toothpaste, but also on what you are drinking. Caffeine is an active stimulant found within coffee, therefore when consumed daily and in large quantities, it can lead to discolouration and weakened enamel.
Research has shown that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to issues such as teeth erosion and tooth decay. Caffeine can cause dehydration, as it is a diuretic. This increases the pH of your saliva and can also lead to susceptibility to bacteria in your mouth. If saliva is not able to counteract bacterial action, then this can lead to further eroded teeth.
It is advised by dentists to have no more than three cups of coffee a day, and preferably no more than two. It is also wise to drink plenty of water each day, to counteract any dehydration caused by caffeine.
Alternatives to Coffee
For those looking to reduce their caffeine consumption and tooth staining, there are a number of alternatives available. Many types of herbal teas are packed full of antioxidants and beneficial ingredients, whilst being lower in caffeine than coffee.
Milk alternatives such as hemp milk and almond milk are becoming increasingly popular, and are a good way to get your caffeine fix. Nut milks also contain less sugar, therefore will not cause any unwanted staining to your teeth. When used in combination with coffee, the milk can act as a buffer for the acidity, meaning it is less harsh on your teeth.
The Benefits of Brushing Teeth
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the best ways to ensure your oral health and prevent any dental problems in the future. Brushing your teeth improves saliva production, as saliva is the body’s natural defense against bacteria and plaque. It also helps to remove any food particles which may be stuck in crevices on your teeth and can cause erosion if left for too long.
By brushing your teeth correctly each morning and night, you are ensuring that the enamel on your teeth remains strong, therefore reducing the risks of any damage done by drinking coffee. It is also important to brush after coffee, in order to reduce any staining.
The Impact of Other Beverages
It is not just coffee which has the potential to cause decay in your mouth. Citrus flavoured beverages such as soda and energy drinks also contain a higher acidity, which can lead to cavities and enamel dysfunction.
Much like coffee, it is advisable to wait 30-60 minutes after brushing before consuming these types of beverage. The particles in the beverage can become trapped in places where normal brushing can be difficult, therefore it is important to rinse or brush your teeth after consumption.
These beverages can also be the cause of discoloured teeth. The darker the beverage, the more likely it is to stain your teeth, with coffee being one of the worst culprits. It is advisable to avoid any type of drink with added flavours, as these often contain more sugar and can be even harsher on your teeth than pure citrus juice.
The Effect of Diet
It is also important to consider your diet when trying to maintain healthy teeth. Eating a balanced diet can help to protect your teeth from harm, as you are giving your body the nutrients it needs to sustain healthy levels of acidity within the mouth.
It is important to limit the amount of processed foods high in saturated fats. These have been identified by dieticians as playing a role in tooth decay and gum disease. Citric acid and lactic acid are also found in processed foods, which can be damaging to the enamel of the teeth, so these should be avoided in order to ensure good oral health.
Minerals such as calcium and magnesium also play a role in protecting teeth, so it is important to include food rich in these into your daily diet. Many dairy products are high in calcium, whilst salmon and leafy greens such as spinach are good sources of magnesium.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the most important factor when it comes to protecting your teeth from harm. Practicing good habits such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help to reduce bacteria in the mouth and will protect your teeth from the harshness of beverages like coffee.
It is important to visit your dentist every six months to ensure your oral health is kept at the highest level. During these visits, your dentist will be able to identify any underlying issues and advise on treatment plans for any damage that has been done to your teeth.
In conclusion, drinking coffee after brushing your teeth is safe, if done correctly. It is important to be mindful of the ingredients in your toothpaste as well as your diet and oral hygiene routine in order to maintain healthy teeth. Trying to limit daily caffeine consumption, and brushing teeth after drinks, are all wise practices in order to reduce any possible damage caused by coffee.
