Good News! Coffee Isn’t Bad For Your Teeth

Many morning time smiles are made after a cup of coffee, but is it bad for your teeth? We are happy to be the bearers of good news and tell you that coffee is not actually bad for your teeth.

Our dentists are often asked whether coffee intake is related to unhealthy teeth. In short, the answer is no! A reason why coffee is perceived to be bad for our teeth is that over time, it causes visible staining.

Naturally, we’d ideally like to see our teeth looking white and shiny, so this may contradict the idea of healthy teeth.

Staining Doesn’t Damage Your Tooth Enamel

Coffee stains do not erode enamel – the tooth’s protective outer layer. Rather, staining occurs because the colour pigments from coffee cause a superficial layer to get stuck on top of your teeth.

Tooth enamel is the substance responsible for preserving teeth by protecting them against decay and tooth sensitivity over the course of our lives. It is very important that we take care of our teeth because tooth enamel does not regenerate.

Coffee Teeth Stains Are Only Cosmetic

Luckily, coffee stains from only a cosmetic layer on our teeth. With regular dental teeth cleaning, coffee discolouration on teeth can be easily removed.

At Whitehorse Dental, we encourage regular dental cleans twice a year. Regular cleans will prevent any nasty surprises, as well as keep your teeth white despite the daily doses of caffeine.

5 QUICK TIPS TO REDUCE COFFEE STAINING

If you don’t want to give up your coffee and keep your teeth stain-free, there are a few tips you can follow. They will allow you to enjoy your coffee without worrying about the stains that come with it. 

Here are our top quick tips to help reduce coffee staining:

Use a Straw

Using a straw to drink your coffee can help reduce the amount of staining liquid that comes into contact with your teeth. This won’t prevent all damage, but it can still lessen the impact of your coffee intake on your enamel in the long run.

Brush Your Teeth After Drinking Coffee

Brushing and flossing at least 30 minutes after drinking your coffee helps reduce coffee stains. This is because coffee is acidic, and high acidity levels weaken the enamel on the surface of your teeth. Brushing immediately after can risk damaging the enamel since it’s softened because of the acid. It’s advisable to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after coffee.

Brushing your teeth after drinking coffee will clean away any dark pigment that may have settled into the tiny crevices of your tooth enamel and help get rid of the bacteria that can lead to discolouration and decay.

Rinse Your Teeth

It’s not always possible to brush your teeth right after coffee. You may be at a social or work event or a cafe. In such instances, rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee to remove the residue and prevent stain buildup.

Regular Dental Cleaning

Regular dental cleaning twice a year is vital for maintaining your oral health and keeping your teeth healthy and white. It helps remove plaque buildup and stains, helping detect oral problems at an early stage to prevent the need for extensive dental treatments in the future.

We also offer professional teeth whitening treatments at our Blackburn clinic to remove stains and discolouration from coffee or other acidic and coloured drinks. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, dental cleaning and professional take home teeth whitening treatments can help keep your teeth stain-free and healthy. 

Drink Water

Saliva has an important role in keeping our teeth safe by protecting our tooth enamel. While coffee doesn’t directly damage our tooth enamel, it does reduce saliva production. Drinking water after coffee will not only help wash away the stains but also keep your teeth hydrated and boost saliva production.

Coffee Does Not Directly Cause Tooth Decay

Coffee does not directly cause tooth decay, but it can increase the risk of tooth decay. This is because coffee is acidic and can weaken tooth enamel if left on the tooth surface too long or not cleaned properly. Therefore, it’s essential to protect your tooth enamel from stains and bacteria by keeping your teeth clean with regular brushing, dental checkups and cleaning – especially if you’re a coffee lover. 

Coffee Provides Antibacterial Properties

Coffee contains compounds such as caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and quinic acid that have been shown to have antibacterial properties. Caffeine also has a strong dose of antioxidants which are beneficial for your immune system and protection against diseases. 

Enjoy your Coffee without Worrying about Stains with Whitehorse Dental

We’re here to help you enjoy your daily dose of coffee with essential oral care tips, improved oral hygiene and quality dental care. Reach out to our friendly dentists for more advice and dental care customised to your needs. Book a consultation today.