Saliva and your skim latte: wake up to the effect coffee has on your mouth
By Dr Tom Shumack, BSci (Syd. Uni), BDent (Hons) (Syd. Uni) Grad Dip Clin Dent (Oral Implants) (Syd.Uni) MRAACDS (PDS)
If you slam back a double espresso first thing in the morning, sip on a latte before lunch and enjoy an iced coffee in the afternoon, you likely feel slightly restless - and a little dehydrated. Just like the other 1 billion coffee drinkers on this planet, I can’t function without coffee, but as a dentist, I feel compelled to tell you the truth about our beloved morning brew.
Caffeine is a saliva and sleep thief
If you’ve ever felt that dry, cotton-mouth feeling after a few cups of coffee, you’re not imagining it. This is because caffeine is actually a diuretic. In simple terms, it makes you pee more, which means you lose fluids - including saliva, which is your mouth’s natural defense system. Saliva helps your mouth to neutralise acids, wash away food particles and keep harmful bacteria in check. Without enough saliva, you’re looking at dry mouth, bad breath and a higher risk for tooth decay. So, while coffee doesn’t directly cause dry mouth, if you’re already prone to it, that extra cup (or three) could be making the problem worse.
Coffee is also a well-known sleep thief, stealing about 45 minutes from your nightly slumber.
If you’re sipping on coffee late in the afternoon, that late-day dose of caffeine can stay in your system longer than you think, keeping you up at night. Poor sleep can lead to a host of other issues, like increased stress levels and muscle tension. This can result in clenching and grinding your teeth, especially at night. Trust me, I see the damage that grinding can cause - worn-down teeth, cracked enamel and even jaw pain. So, while coffee gives you that quick boost, too much of it, especially later in the day, can end up sabotaging your sleep and oral health.
Advice from a coffee loving dentist
Look, I’m not here to tell you to quit coffee cold turkey. But if you’re dealing with dry mouth, my advice is simple:
Enjoy coffee in the morning: That’s when it’s most beneficial and less likely to mess with your sleep.
Enjoy coffee in moderation: Try to limit your intake to 1-2 cups a day. Your mouth - and your teeth - will thank you.
However, if you’ve been struggling with bad breath, dry mouth, or clenching and grinding your teeth for quite some time, and you think coffee might be the culprit, it might be time to cut back. But don't go it alone. Whether it’s tweaking your coffee habits or providing tailored solutions to protect your oral health, we’re here to help. Reach out by Contacting Us or phone (02) 6921 2333.
