Coffee. It’s delicious, it’s energizing, and it makes early mornings tolerable. No wonder we devote a whole day to celebrating it. With National Coffee Day coming up September 29, it’s a good time to review some tips for how to enjoy your cup of joe while keeping your smile healthy and bright!
Tip #1: Watch the Sugar
Coffee itself contains very little sugar, but many people sweeten theirs, while popular coffee drinks can contain significant amounts of added sugar. Flavored syrups, sweetened creamers, whipped cream, and other additions can increase your teeth’s exposure to sugar.
Oral bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that can contribute to tooth decay. Consider reducing the amount of sugar or syrup you add to your coffee. Choosing unsweetened milk or a lower-sugar creamer can also make your coffee more tooth-friendly.
Tip #2: Have Some Water Alongside Your Coffee
Coffee can leave behind compounds that contribute to staining and an unpleasant taste. Drinking water after your coffee can help rinse away some of these substances and food particles while serving as a palate cleanser.
Water is also a better choice for your teeth than sugary beverages. Keep a glass or bottle of water handy and have a swig after finishing your coffee.
Tip #3: Don’t Brush Right After Your Coffee
Coffee is acidic, and consuming acidic foods and beverages can temporarily soften the enamel surface. Brushing immediately afterward could contribute to enamel wear over time.
Instead, rinse your mouth with water and wait about 30 minutes before brushing. This gives your saliva time to help neutralize acids and restore the mouth’s normal environment.
Tip #4: Limit How Long You Sip
Enjoying a cup of coffee over several hours repeatedly exposes your teeth to acidity and, if your drink contains it, sugar as well.
Rather than sipping continuously throughout the morning, or, for some people, the entire day, try to enjoy your coffee within a reasonable timeframe. Also, try using a straw for iced coffees that contain sugar so it reduces direct contact with your front teeth.
Go ahead and celebrate National Coffee Day; just remember that your brew tastes even better when it’s accompanied by good oral health habits!
About the Practice
Dr. Sara Saber and Dr. Nischit Shah invite you to Elite Dental of Fountain Valley, a multi-specialty dental office with cutting-edge technology offering comprehensive services under one convenient roof. Whether it’s time for one of your annual checkups and cleanings or you want to whiten out pesky coffee stains, we can help! Book your appointment online or call (714) 962-4486 for assistance.