Is Drinking Coffee Bad for Your Teeth?
Drinking coffee has become an integral part of many people’s daily routines. For some, it is a comfort, while others rely on it to get them through the day. However, there is much debate surrounding the effects of coffee on oral health, particularly its impact on teeth.
Caffeine itself, is not bad for teeth, but all sugary, caffeinated beverages may weaken enamel if consumed in excess. The sugars found and added to coffee, as well as its acidity, are what may erode the enamel on teeth. Luckily, there are simple ways to protect teeth from the negative impacts of coffee, such as using a straw or rinsing with water afterwards.
According to dental hygienist, Heather Pirraglia, “Coffee has a natural acidity and is naturally acidic. If you drink coffee on an empty stomach, the acid can be more corrosive to your teeth and wear down the enamel. A better way is to enjoy coffee with a meal or with food and drink plenty of water afterwards.”
Dr. Jack Katz, DDS is another dental professional who states “Your teeth are not just there for aesthetics, they are very important for proper chewing. When enamel is eroded, the deeper layer of a tooth is more susceptible to discoloration, decay, and cavities. To protect your teeth while enjoying a cup of coffee, ensure that it is consumed with a meal, and be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Cutting down on added sugars and creams can also help to reduce the risk of erosion. ”
The amount and frequency of coffee consumed will also play a role in protecting enamel. Generally, one cup per day is unlikely to cause much damage. On the other hand, multiple cups a day can lead to a higher risk of enamel erosion. Additionally, the type of coffee can make a difference. Darker roasts are known to be more acidic than lighter roasts, therefore increasing the potential for damage to enamel.
Per general dentist Lisa Sander, “It is not just the sugar and acidic level in coffee that can cause damage, the staining properties of coffee are also important. Coffee can stain both the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth, making them look dull and yellow. But, with regular brushing and the use of whitening products, it is possible to remove the discoloration.”
Protecting teeth from coffee is possible as long as it is consumed in moderation, with a meal, and with good oral hygiene habits thereafter.
The Impact of Cream and Sugar
Adding creams and sugars to coffee can be tempting, but it can have serious repercussions to teeth. The added sugars in the beverage can increase the likelihood of bacteria growth which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. Creamer may contain sweeteners and other ingredients which can increase the overall sugar content of the coffee. Additionally, creamers can cause build up on teeth, staining the enamel, which can then lead to discoloration and further erosion.
In fact, Dr. Alexa Bigwarfe, DMD states “Adding any type of creamer or sugar to coffee will increase its acidity and sugar content. This can lead to the aforementioned oral health issues, especially if the coffee is consumed on an empty stomach. To decrease the potential for eroding enamel, try using sugar alternatives like stevia or almond milk, or limiting cream to just a splash in the cup.”
Dr. Tanya Rino, DDS also explains that “If you add a lot of cream and sugar to your coffee, it can wash away calcium and other minerals found in the saliva. These minerals play an important role in building and renewing enamel. Long-term consumption of coffee with cream and sugar can cause a significant amount of demineralization of teeth. As the enamel wears away, it is more susceptible to deeper decay, cavities, discoloration and tartar buildup.”
Oral Hygiene and Coffee
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical for protecting teeth from the negative effects of coffee. Good oral hygiene habits are paramount for offsetting any potential harm from coffee consumption. Methods such as brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash and chewing sugar-free gum can help to protect teeth.
Dr. Stella J. Kim, DMD, shares her advice on this topic, “It is essential that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily after drinking coffee. This will help remove plaque and food particles from the teeth preventing discoloration and decay. Additionally, it’s important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride as it helps to rebuild enamel and strengthen teeth.”
Dr. Saras Sanichar, DDS, similarly advises that “Using a specialty toothpaste with whitening ingredients can help teeth resist the staining effects of coffee, but it is not enough to completely protect teeth from damage. To truly keep teeth safe, it is important to use mouthwash and chew sugar-free gum after consuming coffee. The fluoride and other ingredients in the mouthwash and the act of chewing the gum can help neutralize acids and stimulate saliva production, both of which can help protect teeth from the effects of coffee.”
Drinking Water
Drinking water after having coffee is also recommended, especially if you do not brush your teeth or drink mouthwash afterwards. Water helps to rinse out some of the acidifying, staining and sugar particles that can stick to teeth, protecting enamel and reducing the chances of cavities. Research conducted by Fordham University also found that drinking a glass of water after consuming coffee can help to reduce any risks of enamel damage.
The research concluded that “Water has a neutral pH which is effective in reducing sugars and acids found in coffee, making it an ideal drink to have after a cup of coffee. This helps to reduce the staining, eroding, and decay effects of coffee on the teeth, and it is a good idea to rinse your mouth with water or use a straw for further protection.”
Dr. Maria Lopez, DDS, also advocates drinking water after drinking coffee as she explains, “Rinsing your mouth with water is a great way to clear out any residual particles that can cause erosion and staining. Furthermore, drinking a glass of water after consuming coffee can help to restore pH levels and mineralize the teeth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is coffee bad for teeth?
A: Coffee itself is not bad for teeth as it does not contain sugars and acids. However, when creams and sugars are added to coffee and consumed in abundance, it can cause erosion of enamel and discoloration.
Q: How many cups of coffee a day is safe?
A: Generally, one cup of coffee per day is unlikely to cause much damage. However, if coffee is consumed several times a day, there is a potential for eroding enamel and staining teeth.
Q: Are there methods to protect teeth from coffee?
A: Yes, there are simple methods such as using a straw, brushing twice daily, flossing and using mouthwash, drinking plenty of water and cutting down on creams and sugars.
Health Risks Associated with Coffee
Although coffee is not typically bad for teeth, it comes with other health risks which should be taken into consideration. Bacteria in the mouth can convert coffee sugars into acid, and this acid can affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause a poor stomach line. Studies have also linked too much caffeine to anxiety, insomnia, and other heart-related issues.
Dr. John Krakow, MD also explains that “Excessive amounts of coffee can cause physiological dependence, meaning the body needs it to function. This can lead to even more damages such as headaches and extreme fatigue when someone does not consume enough coffee. Studies have even linked increased coffee consumption to higher cardiovascular risk. To protect against this, it is important to limit caffeine intake to 400 milligrams per day or less.”
Additionally, coffee should be enjoyed in moderation and depending on an individual’s lifestyle and health profile. People with heartburn, high blood pressure, and other conditions may want to limit their daily intake of coffee.
Summary
Coffee may have a bad reputation when it comes to oral health, however, moderate intake of coffee is not likely to cause erosion of enamel or staining of teeth. To keep teeth healthy while enjoying a cup of coffee, it is important to consume it with food, limit any creams or sugars added, maintain proper oral hygiene habits, and drink plenty of water.
