So, let’s say you have a regular coffee habit. Namely, you drink a few cups of joe every day of the week. While this practice perks you up, though, it also gives you coffee breath that leaves your mouth smelling bad. Does this mean you’ll need to give up your java? Not at all — you can solve the problem with the right oral hygiene practices. To prove it, your local Sparks dentist is here with the details. Read on to learn the source of coffee breath and some great ways to get rid of it.
Why Does Coffee Cause Bad Breath?
For starters, roasted coffee beans produce aromas with sulfur. Combined with your java’s acidity, these compounds can cause bad breath.
Coffee can also lead to dry mouth, which worsens lousy breath. Even on its own, the drink’s caffeine causes dehydration. Furthermore, coffee has tannins that reduce your body’s saliva. Without that liquid, your mouth’s bacteria will release more bad-smelling sulfur gas.
Tips to Get Rid of Coffee Breath
Thankfully, you can reduce your coffee breath without giving up your morning cup(s). That said, consider practicing the following tips:
- Brush Your Teeth After Your Coffee: You’ll remove bad-smelling bacteria and leftover coffee from your mouth by brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste. Toothpastes with zinc or clove oil could be especially useful.
- Have a Mint or Chew Sugar-Free Gum: These items have breath-freshening properties that’ll leave your mouth smelling much better.
- Gargle with Mouthwash: Like toothpaste, fluoridated mouthwash will wash away smelly bacteria and leftover coffee. In addition, though, it’ll also relieve dry mouth and stimulate saliva production.
- Follow Up Your Coffee with Water: Water will keep your mouth from going dry and wash away excess acids and other particles.
Can You Avoid Coffee Breath in the First Place?
Recent research shows you can drink coffee without getting bad breath from it. To do so, though, you’d need to have the drink without any add-ins.
As it turns out, the cream and sugar stirred into coffee could be the real problem. Bacteria feed on these materials, which means having them can worsen breath. If you can, then, try to go without them or use sweet-tasting substitutes like cinnamon or skim milk.
As you can see, you have the power to fight coffee breath without giving up your daily fix. Still, feel free to talk to your local dentist about other ways to fight a smelly mouth.
About the Practice
Vista Dental Care is based in Sparks, NV. As led by Dr. Marc Thomas, our practice offers quality dental care for the whole family. To that end, we perform a variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, including emergency care services. Our office is also a proud, certified provider of both CEREC same-day dental crowns and SureSmile clear aligners. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (775)-626-3535.