For many people, coffee is more than just a pick-me-up drink. The aromatic brew is an essential part of the morning routine, central to how they socialize (“meet me for coffee”) or a tasty treat in the middle of the day. Whether it’s drunk straight or blended into a frothy mix of milk and flavorings, what tastes so good going down leaves a smelly reminder in the form of the dreaded coffee breath.
Because coffee is a natural diuretic, it causes saliva production to slow, which can contribute to dry mouth. With less saliva standing in the way, sulfur-producing, anaerobic bacteria get to work leaving coffee lovers with telltale bad breath.
Foul-smelling breath is a definite downer when interacting with other people. That bad smell can leave the wrong impression on family, friends, co-workers, or anyone else you interact with up close and personal. If persistent bad breath continues despite good oral hygiene, it may be worth learning more about the common causes of bad breath and discussing your concerns with your dentist.
So, What’s A Coffee Lover To Do?
Giving up the java is not an option for most people. Instead, try a few of these top tips for killing coffee breath:
Stay Hydrated
For every cup of coffee consumed, also drink a glass of water. The H2O can help replenish your fluids and wash away acids and sugars lingering in your mouth that contribute to bad breath. The water will also stimulate the production of saliva.
If you’ve ever wondered why your mouth feels dry after a cup of coffee, understanding the role of saliva in maintaining oral health can help explain the connection.
Choose Breath-Friendly Foods
Eat something healthy such as apples or carrots to get your mouth to produce more saliva. Foods packed with vitamin C help create a mouth environment that is inhospitable to mouth bacteria.
Looking for more options? Check out these foods for healthy teeth and overall good oral health.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Pack a toothbrush and paste to clean your teeth and mouth when away from home to clear your mouth of odor-causing bacteria.
Pairing good home care with routine dental cleanings and exams can help keep your breath fresh and your smile healthy.
Your tongue is a great hiding place for mouth bacteria. Invest in a tongue scraper to remove buildup that can cause bad breath.
Freshen Your Breath Throughout the Day
Pop a couple pieces of American Dental Association (ADA)-approved sugarless gum to help produce more saliva and flush out mouth bacteria.
Mix up your routine and get your caffeine fix from green tea. The healthy drink contains antioxidants which can help rinse the bacteria off your teeth.
A slice of hard cheese can counteract some of the effects of coffee breath, so add a piece to your coffee routine.
Killing Coffee Breath For Good
The best defense for coffee breath is a good offense. Incorporate these tips for killing coffee breath into your routine and you’ll be able to continue to enjoy your cup of joe.
There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding oral hygiene and fresh breath. Understanding the facts, and avoiding common oral health myths, can help you make smarter decisions for your smile every day.
