Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After You Drink Coffee? Dentists Reveal the Right Time

Nothing starts most people's day like a fresh cup of coffee. In fact, globally an estimated one billion people drink coffee daily. In the U.S., approximately 66% of adults report sipping coffee every day, making it the most consumed beverage in the country.

However, that morning jolt of java could be messing with your dental hygiene if you're not careful. Your morning routine is important so we reached out to two dentists to find out if coffee drinkers should brush their teeth before or after taking that first, satisfying sip.

If you reach for your toothbrush before brewing your coffee, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing it right, according to dentists. “Brushing your teeth before consuming coffee helps to remove any plaque and bacteria that have accumulated overnight and helps to prepare your teeth to better withstand the staining effects of coffee,” says Michael J. Wei, DDS, the owner of Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist in New York City. “Brushing after consuming coffee may lead to brushing the acidity and stains from coffee into your tooth enamel, potentially causing damage over time.”

James Heaton, DDS, the owner of Smiles of Chandler in Chandler, Arizona, agrees. “It’s better to brush before coffee,” he says. “Brushing immediately after coffee can actually cause more harm than good, since acids temporarily soften enamel, making it more vulnerable to abrasion.”

Brushing first may not completely prevent staining as the porous enamel can still absorb some of the coffee pigments, but it can help. “Clean enamel is smoother and less porous, so fewer coffee pigments can stick to the surface,” says Heaton. “However, it may not completely prevent staining as the porous enamel can still absorb some of the coffee pigments.”

If you forget to brush your teeth before drinking your beloved caffeinated beverage, don’t do it immediately. Dentists suggest giving it some time. “It's generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after consuming acidic beverages like coffee before brushing your teeth,” says Wei. “This allows the enamel on your teeth to re-mineralize and harden after being softened by the acid in the coffee, reducing the risk of enamel erosion.”

It may sound silly if you normally drink from a ceramic mug at home, but the first step in fighting the effects of coffee is to use a straw. “Drink your coffee through a straw to minimize direct contact with your teeth, reducing the chances of staining,” says Wei.

Try drinking your coffee in one sitting rather than over an extended period of time. “Limit sipping throughout the day, as prolonged exposure increases staining,” says Heaton.

Following your caffeinated fix with H2O is another quick and easy way to protect teeth. “Drinking or rinsing with water helps restore a neutral pH and removes surface residue before it can settle into enamel,” says Wei.

Heaton agrees. “Yes, rinsing with water, chewing sugar-free gum, or swishing with a fluoride or re-mineralizing mouthwash can help neutralize acids and wash away surface pigments,” he adds.

Beyond that, it's just a matter of regular preventive dental care. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. “Professional cleanings every six months can also help maintain brightness and enamel health,” says Heaton.

Grabbing that hot cup of joe first thing in the morning might be tempting, but both dentists we talked to agree it's smart to drink coffee after you brush your teeth for two reasons. First, brushing helps reduce staining by removing any plaque or food particles that could potentially attract coffee pigments to adhere to your teeth. Then there's the strength of your enamel to consider. “When you drink coffee, the acidity in the beverage weakens the enamel on your teeth,” says Wei. “Brushing right after can further damage the enamel, as the abrasive action of brushing can erode the weakened enamel layer.”