Is It Better to Brush Your Teeth Before or After Drinking Coffee? Here Are the Facts

KOMPAS.com - Morning would not feel complete without a warm cup of coffee. But is it better to brush your teeth before or after drinking coffee?

Experts explain that coffee can affect the condition of teeth due to its acidic content and tannins. Therefore, brushing at the wrong time could make the protective enamel more vulnerable to damage.

Coffee is known to be an acidic beverage. It also contains tannins, natural compounds that give the drink its distinctive colour and flavour.

“The more often coffee comes into contact with teeth, the greater the chance of staining, especially if the teeth have more porous surfaces,” he explained, as quoted by Prevention, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

Not only about colour, the acidity level of coffee can also weaken the enamel, the outer layer of teeth. When the enamel weakens, teeth become more sensitive and prone to damage.

Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Mark S. Wolff, added that the risk increases if coffee is sweetened.

“Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria then produce acids that can soften the enamel,” he explained.

A sweet cup of coffee every morning without proper dental care can be a less-than-ideal combination.

Many dentists recommend brushing before drinking coffee, especially in the morning.

The reason is that during sleep bacteria and plaque accumulate in the mouth. If not cleaned first, this plaque layer makes coffee pigments more likely to cling to the teeth.

Additionally, fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen the enamel, providing extra protection when the teeth are exposed to the acids of coffee.

Practically, brushing before drinking coffee is also more efficient. After waking up, one can immediately clean the mouth, drink coffee, and then continue with activities without needing to return to the bathroom.

Even though the breath may still carry the aroma of coffee, this option is considered safer for maintaining the structure of the teeth in the long term.