Coffee offers numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. However, its acidity can affect tooth enamel and cause staining. Here are some tips for enjoying coffee while maintaining a bright smile.

Drink it quickly.

Coffee's potential to stain teeth depends on two factors: contact time and frequency of consumption. Sipping slowly exposes teeth to acids and tannins for extended periods. The habit of nursing a cup of coffee for hours each day increases the risk of staining. You don't have to finish your coffee in a few minutes, but try to consume it within 30 minutes rather than over several hours.

A typical cup or packet of coffee contains about 70-100 mg of caffeine. A healthy adult should not consume more than 4 or 5 cups of coffee per day.

Use a straw.

Drinking coffee through a straw can limit direct contact between the beverage and tooth enamel. This reduces the amount of staining agents and acids that adhere to the teeth, lessening the likelihood of stains forming.

Cut down on sugar.

Adding sugar to coffee increases the risk of cavities and negatively impacts overall health. Consuming a lot of refined sugars with a high glycemic index (GI) over time can lead to weight gain, obesity, and hormonal imbalances. High sugar levels can also increase insulin production, leading to more sebum and oil on the skin. High sugar content in drinks also increases uric acid and oxalate, promoting kidney stone formation. Drinking black coffee or reducing sugar intake is beneficial for health.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks before coffee.

Acidic drinks like orange juice increase acidity in the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive and susceptible to staining. Tannins, compounds found in coffee that give it its dark color and distinctive flavor, can easily stick to microscopic crevices on the tooth surface after consuming acidic foods or drinks.

Rinse your mouth with water.

After drinking coffee, rinse your mouth with water to wash away some of the tannins that cause staining and to neutralize acids. Coffee can stain teeth, but this can be prevented by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Le Nguyen (According to Health)