A recent survey found that two-thirds of Americans reach for coffee every day, often before drinking anything else—even water. For many, that morning coffee is their first priority, sometimes even coming before brushing their teeth. But is it better for dental health to brush before or after that first cup?
In a recent episode of HuffPost’s podcast “Am I Doing It Wrong?”, co-hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson discussed this question with Dr. Stephanie Dumanian, dentist and owner of Park Lex 60 Dental. Dr. Dumanian emphasized that, while it may seem routine to brush after coffee, doing so may actually harm your teeth.
“I personally prefer to brush before breakfast,” Dumanian shared with a laugh, adding, “I don’t think my marriage would last long if I didn’t!” But her reasoning goes beyond morning breath: brushing before coffee can protect your enamel.
“When you’re eating or drinking in the morning, you’re likely introducing acids into your mouth,” Dumanian explained. Coffee, a mildly acidic drink, can soften enamel, and brushing immediately afterward can lead to enamel erosion. “If you brush directly after your coffee,” she said, “you’re basically brushing your teeth with acid.”
Coffee isn’t alone in its potential to harm dental health. Dumanian also cautioned against brushing immediately after drinking lemon water, a common health trend. “I often see patients with enamel wear, and they can’t figure out why,” she noted. “Then I ask, ‘Do you drink lemon water in the morning?’ And they say, ‘Every morning!’ It’s a big issue if they brush their teeth right after.”
For those worried about potential staining from coffee or other acidic foods, Dumanian recommended rinsing with water right after drinking. “Just rinse your mouth, and then brush after 20 or 30 minutes,” she advised. Rinsing helps to neutralize acid, making it safer to brush while also flushing away any residue that might cause staining.
The takeaway? Brushing before your morning coffee, along with a quick water rinse afterward, may be the best approach for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
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