Many people enjoy starting their day with a cup (or more) of hot coffee. It can be an enjoyable ritual as well as a way to wake up and get your day started on the right foot.

At the same time, sometimes people wonder whether that cup of coffee is really good for them. As family dentists, our patients often ask us whether their coffee habit will harm their teeth. Is coffee bad for your oral health? Is it damaging to the teeth because it’s acidic? Should you quit drinking it for the sake of your smile?

Coffee itself is not harmful

If you love coffee, then you’re in luck. Studies have shown that coffee is not harmful to oral health. In fact, studies have shown that people who drink coffee on a regular basis actually have a lower risk of cavities than those who don’t! Even though it’s an acidic beverage, there’s no need to worry about coffee causing serious problems with your teeth. (In fact, coffee has also been shown to have a number of other general health benefits, so if you’re a coffee lover, there’s really no reason that you should stop drinking it.)

Coffee may stain the teeth

While it doesn’t cause tooth decay, coffee can cause staining of the teeth. The dark-colored compounds in coffee can deposit into the enamel of the teeth, leaving them less bright. (Coffee isn’t the only substance that can do this; tea, red wine, and other dark-colored foods and beverages can also cause staining.)

If you’ve found that your teeth are less white than you’d like, then you may want to consider teeth whitening. This uses a substance similar to hydrogen peroxide in order to break down the substances staining the teeth, leaving the enamel whiter. There are whitening products available over the counter, but you can get stronger treatment with more dramatic results through professional teeth whitening in your dentist’s office.

Beware of added sugars

If you drink your coffee black, then you have nothing to worry about. It won’t harm your oral health and may even protect your teeth. However, if you add sugar to your coffee (as many people do), then the equation changes. Although the coffee itself will not harm your oral health (and may even benefit it), any added sugar will promote tooth decay. Those who drink coffee with sugar added have a significantly higher risk of cavities than those who don’t drink coffee at all. So if you do choose to drink coffee, it’s best to leave out the sugar.

Shreveport family dentist

Whether or not coffee is part of your daily routine, it’s important to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning at least once every six months. The cleaning can help to remove surface-level coffee staining from your teeth, if you experience this. It will also help to remove bacteria from the teeth, in order to protect them from tooth decay. 

If you’re looking for a Shreveport family dentist or live in the area, including Minden, Stonewall, or Keithville, we invite you to join our family of satisfied patients here at Cormier Family Dentistry. To schedule your appointment, please contact our office.