Avoid That Dreaded Coffee Breath with These Useful Tips!

Cleveland Magazine recently released its “Best Places to Live” issue and Beachwood was rated #1 in Northeast Ohio out of Cleveland’s 77 suburbs! Whether you are spending time at the dog park or dropping your child off at school, you do not want to be wondering if your coffee breath is bothering other people. No need to keep covering your mouth as you go about your day…you can banish coffee breath in Beachwood with these helpful tips.

What Causes Coffee Breath?

It’s helpful to understand why that delightful cup of comfort causes bad breath.

The caffeine and tannins in coffee have a dehydrating effect. Your mouth becomes dry because of a decrease in saliva, which is important because it helps wash germs and bacteria away. When there is not enough saliva, germs and bacteria can remain…and the dreaded bad breath is born!

But that’s not the only reason that mug of brain juice causes odor-inducing bacteria to grow in the mouth. The high acidity in coffee lowers the pH balance in the mouth which allows more bacteria to grow. Plus, add-ins like milk and sugar contribute to its growth, too.

Tips for Getting Rid of Coffee Breath

As the adage says, knowledge is power. You are aware of the effects on your breath from drinking coffee. Now let’s get to banishing it with the following tips:

• Add brushing your teeth AFTER drinking coffee to your daily routine (wait at least 30 minutes before brushing because the acidity will have softened your enamel)
• Brush teeth with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss carefully and daily
• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
• Eat yogurt in the morning to increase good bacteria
• Drink water—this helps hydrate your mouth as well as wash away bad bacteria

You may also consider switching to black coffee, which can decrease bacterial growth. You can try stirring your coffee with a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean for added sweetness.

Most importantly, making your dental hygiene a top priority will always help your breath.

For many, coffee is a comforting and delicious part of our daily routine. But there is no need to let coffee breath put a damper on your—or anyone else’s—day! Armed with an understanding of the cause and these helpful tips, you can breathe a (pleasant-smelling) sigh of relief.

About the Author

Orange Place Family Dentistry serves the community of Beachwood and the surrounding areas. Dr. Koops, Dr. Faist, and Dr. Mollica provide general, cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry. They can keep your breath fresh and your teeth shining through their services, including Zoom Teeth Whitening for coffee stains. For further information, they can be reached via their website or by phone at 216-464-2448.