National Coffee Day and Your Teeth

It seems there’s a national day for everything. While some are just plain strange, others, like National Coffee Day on September 29^th, are easier to get behind. You’re probably excited to stop by your favorite café and see if they have any new flavors or deals.

Coffee definitely has many benefits that are worth celebrating. However, it’s important to remember that too much of a good thing can be problematic – in this case, for your teeth! Keep reading to learn more.

The Beneficial Effects of Coffee

Hot or iced, a good cup of joe can help you feel ready for the day, focus your mind, and bring a smile to your face. That’s not all it’s good for, though! Coffee has several health benefits including lowering your risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. One that’s relevant for your smile is that it’s rich in polyphenols.

Among other things that are good for your body in general, polyphenols help with breaking down harmful bacteria. When these troublemakers build up too much in your mouth, they can cause gum disease and tooth decay. So give coffee’s polyphenols a warm welcome – especially when you forget to brush your teeth.

The Not-So Great Effects of Coffee

Unfortunately, not everything about your morning brew is all sunshine and rainbows. Coffee contains tannins, which more or less strengthens pigments, ultimately staining your pearly whites. If you’d rather have sparkly teeth, it’s a good idea to limit your java intake.

Another thing you should consider is coffee’s acidity. Acidic foods and beverages wear down the enamel that normally protects your teeth from exposure and helps buffer bacteria. The more it weakens, the more sensitive your teeth are likely to become, and the greater your risk for developing gum disease or tooth decay.

How to Celebrate Safely

That doesn’t mean you have to cut coffee out completely or pass up National Coffee Day! It just means you’ll have to be careful. Here are some strategies you can use – besides limiting your intake, that is:

• Say no to sugar. Sugar accelerates bacteria growth and can counteract the benefits of polyphenols. If you have a hard time drinking coffee black, at least keep how much sugar you add through cream and flavor syrups to a minimum.
• Drink through a straw to help prevent tannins from coming into direct contact with your teeth.
• Eat plenty of fiber, particularly on coffee-drinking days. Fiber-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and potatoes help neutralize acids before they break down enamel.
• Brush and floss! Brushing twice a day and flossing once per day keeps your mouth clean – meaning it also reduces the amount of bacteria and tannins hanging out on the surface of your teeth.

You may not be able to get away with frequent coffee-drinking this way, but you can mitigate the not-so-great side effects so you can enjoy National Coffee Day to the fullest. When you’re done celebrating, why not make a cleaning appointment with your dentist? If stubborn bacteria or strong stains have settled in from your espresso party, they’ll take care of it!

About the Dentist

Dr. Jason Kaopua earned his dental doctorate at the Oregon Health & Sciences University. He’s enjoyed over 20 years of dentistry so far and continues to sharpen his skills with continuing education and advanced training courses. For more tips on how to safely enjoy National Coffee Day or to schedule a cleaning, call Dr. Kaopua’s office at 425-267-3333.