Should I Brush My Teeth After Coffee?

Many people tend to brush their teeth after having a meal, especially a meal that included coffee or tea. It seems like a natural next step; drink, then brush. But this isn’t a good practice after all.

It may actually cause more harm than help for your teeth.

The Harmful Effects of Brushing Right After Coffee

Drinking coffee or tea not only stains your teeth, but it can also weaken the enamel on the surface.

Brushing your teeth immediately afterward will remove some of this weakened enamel, which makes your teeth even more vulnerable. Teeth will become even more exposed to harmful external forces.

Prevention of Damage

Coffee and tea break down the teeth’s enamel because of their acidic composition. It can take about 30 minutes after drinking coffee for the effect to wear off. Don’t brush for at least half an hour.

Instead, drink some water and swish it around in your mouth after consuming coffee. Water not only rinses the coffee off the teeth, it helps to restore the flow of saliva after consumption. (You can also chew sugar-free gum for the same effect.) Saliva can help restore the minerals on your teeth and wash away the decay-causing acids from coffee or tea.

Keeping Teeth Healthy

Although the above tips can help prevent tooth decay, it cannot stop it completely. Visit us for a thorough cleaning of your teeth and to make sure that your enamel isn’t too thin. Our dentists in Studio City are willing to make sure that you have strong, healthy teeth. We can also help whiten your teeth for a brighter smile.

Schedule a dental appointment today!