The Effects of Tea and Coffee on Teeth

Tea and coffee are among the most popular beverages enjoyed by most of the population worldwide. For most people, the day does not begin without that morning cup of coffee. While tea and coffee do not negatively affect health if consumed in moderate amounts, they can cause discoloration of tooth surfaces.
For many, tooth discoloration is a big concern, making them conscious of their smiles and overall physical appearance.

Why Does Drinking Tea And Coffee Stain Teeth?

Due To Tannins

Tea, coffee, red wine, and chocolate all contain tannins, a food-staining compound. Tannins are also used in the leather industry to dye leather products. Therefore you can imagine the effects it can have on your teeth. You may have noticed your coffee mug turning darker on the inside over time. It is due to these natural staining compounds present in tea and coffee that can leave a yellowish-brown stain on the teeth.

They Are Acidic

Coffee is especially acidic and added sugar or sweetened syrup could create an even more acidic environment In your mouth. Acidity can cause dental erosion, increased sensitivity in the mouth, and the risk of tooth decay. The more acidic the environment, the more chances there are of demineralizing enamel and cavity formation. This is why it is important to remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming tea or coffee.

They reduce salivary flow

Drinking tea and coffee can create a dry environment in the mouth due to a reduction in salivary flow. Dryness in the mouth causes an increased risk of cavities and acidity in mouth.

Tea And Coffee Can Cause Bad Breath

Drinking tea and coffee on an empty stomach especially can result in halitosis or bad breath. Therefore it is important to make sure you don’t drink tea or coffee on an empty stomach.

How To Treat The Effects Of Tea And Coffee On Teeth

Tea and coffee stains on the teeth appear yellowish brown over time. These stains can be removed by getting a professional dental cleaning done followed by a tooth whitening procedure.

What Is Dental Cleaning And Polishing?

Dental cleaning and polishing use an ultrasonic scaler which vibrates at high speed and releases a jet of water and air that helps break down plaque deposits that accumulate at the bottom of the teeth. These are yellowish hardened bits of food material mixed with bacteria and salivary components that can settle on the gum margin and cause gingival inflammation. Getting a routine dental cleaning done every six months is important to get rid of plaque and maintain healthy gums.
After cleaning and polishing, a procedure is done on the teeth to remove any external stains that can be caused due to sugary foods.

What Is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is a cosmetic and non-invasive procedure recommended only to those patients who are unhappy with the shade of their teeth. It uses a bleaching agent and either UV or laser light to activate the bleach solution. This lightens the tooth color and brings it down to the required shade. It is important to ensure that the teeth are properly isolated during this procedure and that none of the soft tissues come in contact with the bleach solution. Once completed, the solution can be rinsed off and dried. If the patient is unsatisfied with the results, the solution may be reapplied, and a second session may be done to achieve the desired shade.
Tooth whitening is not a permanent solution; teeth will become stained again after a year. The staining happens faster for those who drink a lot of tea and coffee, smoke, chew tobacco, or consume sodas and sugary foods. Therefore after getting a tooth whitening procedure, it is advised to try and make some alterations to your eating and recreational habits.

How Can You Prevent Tea And Coffee From Staining Your Teeth

● Try to use a straw while drinking these beverages to reduce making contact with all the surfaces of the teeth.
● Try not to add sugar to your tea or coffee.
● Rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming tea or coffee.
● Try to sip water frequently to maintain hydration in your mouth.
● Chewing on sugar-free gum helps to increase salivary flow in the mouth and prevents it from drying out.
● Try to limit the number of cups of tea or coffee that you drink in a day.
● Eating healthy such as fresh fruits and vegetables have a cleansing mechanism for teeth and can help maintain a healthy and clean mouth.
● Make sure to brush regularly twice every day, once after breakfast and once before going to bed. Ensuring good dental practices will minimize tooth discolorations and other dental health problems.
● Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a routine dental cleaning and checkup to ensure your dental hygiene is in check.
● Visit Dr.Paul’s Dental Clinic or contact them for an appointment. Their expert dentists can recommend the best treatment options for your discolored teeth.

The Final Word

Tea and coffee are popular beverages that have staining compounds called tannins. Over time they can leave a yellowish-brown tinge on the surfaces of teeth, reducing the whiteness of teeth. Teeth can be whitened again by getting a teeth whitening in Dubai procedure. Contact Dr. Paul’s Dental Clinic to schedule an appointment with our trusted and expert-trained dentists.