If you’re someone who savors each sip of coffee slowly throughout the day, you might want to rethink that habit — especially if you take sugar in your coffee.
Experts say prolonged exposure to sugar from slow sipping could mean bad news for your teeth, potentially leading to costly dental visits down the road.
Lesley, a former dental assistant, shared a now-viral TikTok video.
In it, she’s warning coffee drinkers that spacing out their caffeine intake with small sips may actually harm their teeth.
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“If you’re sipping on it all day long, that’s how you get cavities because you have sugar in your mouth all day long,” she explained, noting that even using a straw won’t save you if sugary coffee is involved.
Assistant Professor of Dental Medicine Dante Devoti from Columbia University backs Lesley’s claims.
He emphasized that the risks of sipping aren’t just for sugar fans. He explains, “Drinking a cup of coffee in a single sitting is better for your teeth than sipping one cup throughout the entire day,” as it reduces the exposure of your teeth to sugar and acidity.
The science behind this might surprise some coffee lovers.
When you sip coffee all day, your saliva doesn’t get a chance to raise your mouth’s pH levels, which helps neutralize acids that can erode enamel.
Add sugar, and you’re amplifying the damage. “Sugary coffee drinks are even greater offenders to your teeth, especially if sipping,” Devoti adds.
Lesley’s video struck a chord with many, prompting viewers to share their own experiences.
One commenter asked, “People don’t finish their coffee right after buying it?” to which Lesley replied with a laugh, “Mine is gone in like 5 min.” It seems that for some, the habit of prolonged sipping is simply hard to break.
Others questioned whether the advice applied to those who drink black coffee.
While skipping sugar is a step in the right direction, Devoti still cautions that coffee is acidic by itself. For those who can’t quit sipping, he recommends drinking water between sips to help protect teeth from acidity’s effects.
Interestingly, this advice isn’t entirely new.
Dentists have long suggested eating sweets in a single sitting rather than spreading them out, as this minimizes the time teeth are exposed to sugar. Many remember hearing this principle around Easter when dentists advised eating all of your chocolate in one go for a “smoother ride” for your teeth.
The concept of “slamming” a beverage might not sound appealing to everyone.
But when it comes to tooth health, dentists say the benefits of drinking coffee quickly and rinsing with water afterward can outweigh the temptation to sip it slowly. For coffee enthusiasts, it might mean considering new habits for a healthier smile.
For those concerned about diet or energy spikes, remember: moderation is key.
Dentists suggest balancing coffee intake with water throughout the day, helping counteract acidity and limiting sugar exposure. By protecting your teeth now, you can help ensure that your daily coffee habit won’t lead to problems down the line.
Ultimately, taking simple steps can mitigate these risks.
Drinking water afterward, sticking to your tooth-brushing routine, and flossing regularly can help protect your teeth from damage. And if you’re determined to sip, consider limiting how often you indulge. A small habit change now could mean a healthier smile for years to come.