Discover 5 ways to make coffee less harmful to oral health, according to two dental health experts.

Plus, how to keep coffee breath at bay.

Experts in This Article

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The downside tostarting every morning with coffee?

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Dentists say that doesnt mean you gotta go cold turkey, though.

Lets hone in on the acidity of coffee.

The lower the pH, the stronger the acid, Stewart says.

Photography of a apple juice in glasses and apples in a wicker basket on wooden table

cosmetic dentist

(For context, most vinegar has a pH between two and three.)

If frequently consumed, coffee can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and even cavities, she says.

Sugars in these additives feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay, Stewart says.

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5 tips for making coffee less harmful to your oral hygiene

1.

And although this may sound counterintuitive, Stewart says theres a logical explanation.

Remember, coffee is acidic.

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Brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything acidic weakens tooth enamel and causes staining, she says.

Enamel is not regenerated, so it is important to take steps to protect it, Stewart says.

Its important to maintain ahealthy oral healthcare routineand keep up with routine dental visits.

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Additionally, I recommend patients use a power toothbrush, such asPhilips Sonicare 9900 Prestige.

(Just dontdrink it too fastthat can lead to stomach irritation.)

This will, in turn, also help reduce the staining effects of coffee.

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

And when it comes to oral health, its no different.

I recommend drinking water throughout the day, not only before and after consuming coffee.

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