One of these 3 coffees will destroy your teeth and your breath. Which one?

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. For many, it is a daily ritual that is impossible to abandon. However, not all coffees affect oral health in the same way. Even if they have the same origin, the way they are prepared and consumed makes a huge difference in the impact on the teeth.

Spots, heartburn, bad breath and increased risk of cavities do not depend only on the coffee itself, but on how long it stays in the mouth, its concentration and its acidity.

To understand this, we first need to know how our mouth reacts to acidic drinks.

The Role of Saliva and pH in Dental Health

The mouth has a natural defense mechanism: saliva.
Its function is to neutralize the pH after consuming acidic foods or drinks. When we take something acidic, the pH of the mouth drops, and the saliva needs a while to bring it back to a safe level.

For this reason, dentists recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming coffee or other acidic beverages. Brushing beforehand can damage the enamel, as it rubs the tooth when it is still weakened by acidity.

With this clear, let’s see how each type of coffee impacts.

The coffee that causes the least damage to teeth

Cappuccino or latte

This type of coffee has the least negative impact on oral health.

Why?

• Coffee is diluted in a large amount of milk.
• Milk helps raise the pH, reducing acidity.
• As it is less concentrated, it pigments teeth less.
• It decreases the risk of cavities by not favoring the growth of harmful bacteria as much.

Milk acts as a natural “buffer” of coffee acid. Although the pH can vary depending on the type of milk used, it is still much less aggressive than black coffee.

The second place: espresso

Although espresso is more concentrated and acidic, it is surprisingly not the most harmful.

The key is in the exposure time:

• It is consumed quickly, in a few minutes.
• It does not usually stay in the mouth for hours.
• In many cases, people rinse their mouths afterward.

This allows saliva to neutralize the acidity more quickly.
Of course, due to its high concentration, it can pigment the teeth more if consumed daily and proper hygiene is not carried out afterwards.

The coffee that damages teeth the most

American coffee or long coffee

This is the most harmful to oral health.

The reasons are clear:

• It is consumed for long periods of time.
• It is taken in small sips throughout the day.
• It keeps the mouth constantly in an acidic state.
• It promotes the appearance of cavities and spots.
• Contributes to persistent bad breath.

When drunk continuously, saliva fails to neutralize the pH, as each sip acidifies the mouth again. In addition, this type of coffee usually contains more caffeine, which can increase anxiety.

Anxiety, combined with acidity, favors the habit of clenching the teeth, which accelerates their wear and deterioration.

Practical tips to take care of your teeth if you drink coffee

• Avoid drinking coffee throughout the day in small sips.
• He prefers to consume it at a single moment and not constantly.
• Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
• Reduce or eliminate sugar in coffee.
• Alternate coffee with water to help neutralize the pH.
• Maintain regular dental checkups to detect stains or wear and tear in time.

Final recommendations

If you’re a coffee lover, you don’t need to give it up completely. The key is in how and when you consume it. Espresso and coffee with milk can be part of your routine if they are accompanied by good hygiene and moderation habits.

Long coffee, especially when drunk throughout the day, is the one that poses the most risks to oral and general health.

Not all coffees affect your teeth the same. Acidity, exposure time, and concentration make all the difference. Choosing your coffee type better and adopting small habits can help you keep your healthier, whiter, and stronger teeth longer, without giving up one of the world’s most enjoyed beverages.

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