E-cigarettes, coffee, energy drinks – what do our teeth “say”?

This is how e-cigarettes affect teeth and oral health

The latest international research is increasingly showing that the use of e-cigarettes is not harmless to oral health. According to research published in 2025 by the National Library of Medicine, the vapor emitted by e-cigarettes can contribute to an imbalance in the oral microbiome and increase the formation of biofilms, which favor tooth decay and gum disease. A 2024 study by Emergency Dental Of Kansas City reported tissue damage, chronic dry mouth, and inflammatory reactions that can also slow down the natural healing process. Additional data suggests that e-cigarettes may reduce saliva production, thereby increasing the risk of tooth decay, and may be closely associated with an increased incidence of gingivitis and oral mucosal problems. Overall, e-cigarettes pose risks to teeth and the oral cavity.

What about coffee and energy drinks?

Coffee and energy drinks are among the most commonly consumed beverages in everyday life, but more and more research shows that these habits can leave a serious mark on the health of your teeth and oral cavity. According to a 2024 study by the German ResearchGate, excessive coffee consumption reduces the pH of saliva due to the fermentation of carbohydrates, which promotes cavities, the formation of plaque on the surface of the teeth and gingivitis, while cola and coffee affect the color of your teeth over time, according to a 2024 study by the National Library of Medicine. According to a 2024 study published by the Swiss MDPI, energy drinks – including other sugary soft drinks and sports drinks – can potentially cause the loss of the surface of tooth enamel, which leads to demineralization, or loss of minerals. If you consume energy drinks, it is worth choosing one that contains calcium, as calcium-enriched energy drinks can reduce the erosion of tooth enamel. “In recent years, more and more patients have come to us with complaints that are caused by lifestyle habits – such as energy drink consumption, frequent coffee drinking or e-cigarettes. According to our experience, these factors can worsen gum disease and tooth decay in the long term, which is why prevention and regular check-ups are of utmost importance,” says Dr. Péter Czigler, chief dentist at Clinident Dental Center.

Stress also has a negative effect on oral health

The stress present in our everyday lives not only burdens our mental balance and general health, but can also negatively affect the condition of the oral cavity. A 2024 study found that increased stress and anxiety are linked to a higher incidence of bruxism, or teeth grinding. This can lead to serious long-term problems, from increased tooth wear to jaw joint problems to poor oral health. The findings highlight the importance of stress management and good oral hygiene.

The link between excessive phone use and tooth decay

Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life, but a growing body of research is warning that excessive use can not only affect your eyes and posture, but also your oral health. Using your smartphone for more than 6 hours a day is linked to a 28% increase in tooth decay symptoms in adolescents who use their smartphones for less than 2 hours a day, Nature reported in a 2024 study. There may be several factors behind this phenomenon: long hours spent in front of a screen are often combined with snacking, consuming sugary drinks, drinking less water, and a more negligent oral care routine. All of this together favors the growth of bacteria and the loss of enamel minerals, i.e. the development of cavities.