Coffee is more than a hot drink to enjoy in the morning or during business and social meetings. It has become part of our culture, so much so that Canadians drink an estimated 2.7 cups per day on average.
Nowhere is this more true than right here in our neighbourhood of Yonge and Eglinton in Midtown Toronto, where numerous specialty coffee shops, restaurants, and diners are ready to serve up your favourite brew, just how you like it.
However much you enjoy a delicious, invigorating coffee, it is critical to understand the effect it can have on your smile. Knowing the facts will allow you to protect your oral health while indulging in this much-loved beverage.
Midtown Toronto’s Love Affair with Coffee
On any given morning in Midtown Toronto, you see long lineups at the dozens of local coffee shops as people grab their morning fix before heading to the office. Whether you frequent a well-known national or international franchise or an independently-owned establishment, you are one of the thousands of people enjoying this daily ritual.
Midtown Toronto coffee shops are also busy throughout the day, filled with remote workers typing away on laptops with a large hot beverage close at hand. Colleagues from many of the local offices also stop in for a quick respite from their daily duties to socialize or brainstorm on a new business strategy. Other customers appear randomly to get away from their everyday routines and enjoy the coffee shop buzz.
Almost all of these visits involve a single common denominator: a passion for coffee. And while coffee is definitely worthy of our love, so are our teeth. That is why we need to develop oral-healthy habits after drinking coffee to ensure our smile remains as bright and clean as possible.
How Coffee Affects Your Teeth
Coffee, when enjoyed in moderation, offers many health benefits. However, it can also cause unattractive staining and discolouration on the surface of your teeth that dulls your smile.
This happens because coffee contains naturally occurring dark-coloured plant compounds called tannins. They are notorious for sticking to the porous surface of tooth enamel, the tough outer layer of your teeth. These compounds deposit in the small pores on the enamel’s surface, leading to a buildup of yellow or brown over time.
Coffee is also acidic. This acidity can wear away the tooth enamel, resulting in a rougher enamel surface with more pores and channels for stains to penetrate more easily. As these stains accumulate, your teeth will appear progressively yellow or brown.
If you are not happy with how your teeth look, you may lose confidence in your smile and stop sharing it with the world.
The good news is that protecting your smile does not have to mean giving up coffee for life. All you need to do is follow a few quick steps to maintain your teeth’s natural lustre and smile with confidence.
Smile-Friendly Coffee Habits
You might think that you can drink coffee or have a bright, white smile, but you cannot have both. The truth is that with a proper oral health routine, you actually can have both!
One of the most effective ways of combating discoloured teeth is to rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee. Rinsing with water will wash away the tannins from your teeth so they cannot stick around long enough to cause tooth discolouration. This action also helps to dilute and neutralize the acid contained in coffee, protecting your enamel from harm.
Another option is to drink a glass of water concurrently with your coffee to keep your mouth hydrated and clean. Drinking water will also help prevent dry mouth, a common side effect of drinking coffee, which can lead to many oral health problems, including bad breath.
Drinking coffee through a straw can help minimize contact between the liquid and your front teeth, reducing the potential for staining.
Furthermore, avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after drinking coffee, as brushing too soon can damage enamel that has been softened by the acids in coffee. Although you might think you will be “brushing” the stains away, the brushing may actually push the tannins further into the crevices of your teeth, making discolouration even harder to fight.
Choosing lighter roast or milk-based drinks can also improve the appearance of your teeth. Lighter roast coffee contains less tannin-causing tannins than darker roasts, and milk-based beverages can strengthen enamel and tooth health thanks to their high amounts of calcium.
Professional Dental Care Options for Coffee Drinkers
Although you might already have discoloured teeth from years of drinking coffee, it is never too late to restore your teeth to their original brightness. Your dentist can make recommendations to help coffee lovers enjoy a more confident smile, such as:
Whitening treatments for coffee drinkers
In-office tooth whitening treatments provide a safe and effective solution if your teeth have become darker due to drinking coffee or for any other reason. Results are visible after only one hour, providing an immediate boost of confidence that will keep you smiling.
Preventive cleanings to minimize coffee teeth stains in Toronto
Visiting your dentist at least twice per year for a complete cleaning can help keep your teeth shiny and white, even if you drink coffee. However, it might be a good idea to increase the number of visits if you have any oral health concerns, including discoloured teeth that can affect your smile.
If you are a coffee lover who also loves having a healthy smile, get in touch with the team at Yonge Eglinton Dental. Our dental team will welcome you into our offices to help you achieve the smile you deserve, even after that large double-double!
Keeping Your Smile Bright Without Sacrificing Coffee with Help from the Experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental
Contact our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
FAQs About Dental Health and Coffee
Does drinking coffee stain teeth?
Yes. Coffee contains tannins, a type of polyphenol that easily sticks to tooth enamel. Over time, these tannins can cause yellow or brown surface stains.
Can coffee increase the risk of cavities?
Coffee itself is not high in sugar, but when sweeteners, syrups, or cream are added, it can contribute to tooth decay. The acid in coffee can also weaken enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
How does coffee lead to bad breath?
Coffee can contribute to bad breath in two ways. First, it has a naturally strong, lingering odour. Second, it can dry out the mouth by reducing saliva production, allowing odour-causing bacteria to thrive. Drinking water alongside coffee or chewing sugar-free gum can help keep breath fresh.
Can coffee cause enamel erosion?
Yes. Coffee is slightly acidic, and frequent exposure to acid can gradually erode tooth enamel. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities. Using a straw, rinsing with water, and waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing can help reduce enamel wear.
Is it okay to drink coffee if I want to maintain white, healthy teeth?
Moderate coffee consumption is fine, but maintaining good oral hygiene is key. Brushing twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and visiting your dentist regularly can help counteract the staining and acidic effects of coffee. Professional whitening treatments can also restore brightness if discolouration becomes a concern.
