Can Coffee Damage Your Teeth?

CLEVELAND - Many of us love coffee.

It has a rich, smooth flavor and can give you a nice boost of energy. 

But with the good comes some bad – for your teeth that is.

“Coffee is actually a great antioxidant, but it's a little bit acidic. And when foods are acidic, that can lead to dental erosion. So, it can basically strip that outer layer of enamel on your teeth. And when you get erosion, it can make your teeth more sensitive, more yellow. It can increase the chance that you're going to get cavities, and it can make your teeth way more prone to chipping or breaking,” said Sasha Ross, DMD, MS, periodontist at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Ross said the sugar people add to their coffee can also be problematic. 

She explains that it can feed bad bacteria and in turn cause cavities.

So, what can people do to help prevent these issues? 

Dr. Ross said to try to drink your coffee quickly. The longer you sip on it, the more time it has to coat your teeth.

However, if you did want to take your time, it’s recommended to eat too. 

She said the saliva that forms while eating can act as a buffer for your teeth. 

Then after you’re done, be sure to rinse your mouth out with tap water. 

“Tap water has fluoride in it that can help that outer layer, that enamel, re-harden. And you can brush your teeth after. That would be recommended as well. But it's often best to wait about 30 to 60 minutes after you've had these drinks before brushing. Because especially with coffee, it can make your enamel softer. And then if you brush that soft enamel away, it can be harmful,” she advised. 

Dr. Ross said if you are a regular coffee drinker, it’s a good idea to let your dentist know so they can help with prevention and keep an eye on any potential issues.