For millions of coffee lovers, the daily morning ritual remains a frequent topic of debate: is it better to start the day with a cup of coffee first or to brush your teeth? American dentist Mark Burin provided clarification on this habit, pointing out that most people follow the wrong order if they want to avoid tooth discoloration. In an Instagram post, Burin explained that the reason is not related to coffee alone, but to what happens in the mouth overnight, where a thin layer of bacteria and proteins forms on the teeth known as a biofilm, making their surface more prone to capturing colors. According to the dentist, this layer acts as a 'magnet' for the pigments in coffee, especially those containing milk, such as latte and cappuccino, leading to the gradual appearance of brown stains on the teeth over time. He noted that he frequently observes this type of discoloration in his patients who are coffee lovers, confirming that it can be removed during cleaning but can be significantly reduced with a small adjustment to the morning routine. Burin advises brushing your teeth before drinking coffee instead of after, explaining that this removes the plaque layer to which stains adhere and makes the teeth less susceptible to discoloration throughout the day. Furthermore, oral health experts warn against brushing teeth immediately after drinking coffee, as it is an acidic beverage that can temporarily weaken the tooth enamel, making brushing right after it a factor that may increase surface erosion rather than protect it. According to specialists, brushing your teeth before coffee also provides a protective fluoride layer that helps protect the enamel, making this simple step more effective for long-term oral health.
