4 Must-Know Tips for Getting Rid of Coffee Breath

Did you know that coffee is one of the most widely enjoyed beverages on the entire planet? It’s estimated that a whopping 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily, and if you find yourself enjoying coffee every morning, you might’ve noticed one unpleasant side-effect—the foul-smelling breath it causes! Continue reading below for a brief overview of what causes this issue, along with a few dentist-approved tips that are certain to help you eliminate your coffee breath.

What Causes Coffee Breath?

When coffee beans are roasted, sulfur-containing aroma compounds form; these compounds, along with the acid content in coffee, can produce bad breath. Coffee also causes dry mouth, which reduces your saliva production and allows foul-smelling bacteria to multiply more easily. It’s also worth mentioning that many of the additives found in coffee, such as milk, cream, and sugar, can cause an overgrowth of oral bacteria, which in turn will make your breath stink.

Tips for Getting Rid of Coffee Breath

You don’t have to give up coffee entirely to avoid coffee breath; there are numerous things you can do to limit coffee’s effect on your breath, including the following:

1. Brush your teeth within an hour of finishing your coffee. You should also consider drinking a glass of water with or after your coffee.
2. Don’t neglect your daily hygiene routine; in addition to brushing after drinking coffee, you should continue to brush twice each day and floss, while also supplementing with an antibacterial mouth rinse.
3. Use a sugar-free mint or piece of gum after finishing your coffee; not only will this freshen your breath, but it’ll stimulate your mouth’s flow of saliva. A fresh piece of parsley or cough drop might also do the trick.
4. Consider opting for black coffee that lacks the sugary additives of a regular cup; while black coffee is still acidic and can cause foul-smelling breath, it may not be as intense.
5. Consider healthier alternatives to coffee, such as black, herbal, green, or chai tea.

Knowing what causes coffee breath, along with how you can mitigate it, will allow you to continue to enjoy coffee with less risk to your oral health—and your social interactions, given the impact that the issue can have!

About the Practice

Our team here at Ralph Avenue Dental Care has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Brooklyn, NY community for several years, and we look forward to helping you and your loved ones achieve and maintain healthy, dazzling smiles! If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to arrange an appointment for you or someone you know, feel free to contact our team online or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (718) 531-0300.