Tengrinews.kz - Drinking coffee with milk may cause bad breath and negatively impact dental health, according to British dentist Nyree Whitley, citing the Daily Mirror.
According to the doctor, the combination of coffee and milk dries out the mucous membrane in the mouth, creating favorable conditions for bacterial growth and the formation of sulfur compounds – the main cause of bad breath.
Moreover, coffee itself is an acidic beverage that can damage tooth enamel and contribute to plaque buildup.
"This makes your teeth more susceptible to decay, particularly if you take sugar in your coffee or have syrup flavourings," the expert advised.
It is recommended to drink coffee without sugar or milk and to limit intake to 400 milliliters a day.
Dr. Whitley also recommended rinsing the mouth with clean water after drinking coffee – this helps restore the acid-base balance and remove beverage residue. Brushing teeth, she said, should be done no earlier than 30 minutes afterward to avoid damaging enamel softened by acids.
The dentist also highlighted the issue of chronic dry mouth. Regular consumption of coffee with milk may reduce the protective function of saliva, which plays a key role in fighting bacteria and neutralizing acids.
Recently, a study showed that coffee in the afternoon can be very detrimental to the quality of sleep and overall well-being.