How Does Tea And Coffee Affect The Teeth

Effects of Tea and Coffee on Teeth

• Tea and coffee are among the most popular beverages in the world.
• Many people are unaware that frequent consumption of tea and coffee can lead to tooth discoloration, enamel damage, and other oral health issues.
• Tooth discoloration is change in colour of tooth because of intrinsic and extrinsic factors like coffee, tea, cigarettes, tobacco chewing and others.
• Coffee and tea can damage tooth enamel through natural acidity and tannins, leading to erosion, thinning increased sensitivity, staining, higher risk of decay especially when sugar is added.
• Tea and coffee mainly affect the enamel (outer layer of tooth) leading to staining and weakening over time.

If stains caused by tea and coffee become noticeable, professional teeth whitening treatment can help restore the natural brightness of your teeth.

How tea affects teeth

• Regular tea consumption can cause teeth to appear yellowish or brown because tea contains compounds called tannins.
• Tea contains tannic acid, oxalic acid and citric acid and they can weaken enamel by softening it when enamel is weakened, teeth become more vulnerable to stains, cavities, and sensitivity.

How coffee affects teeth

• Coffee contains chromogens (pigment-producing substance) which easily attach to enamel causing tooth stains.
• Sugar added in the coffee feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to plaque build-up and cavities.

Long term effect on teeth

1. Persistent tooth discoloration.
2. Enamel erosion (wearing away of enamel)
3. Increased tooth Sensitivity.
4. Higher risk of Cavities.
5. Plaque build-up and gum diseases.
6. Increased dry Mouth (reducing saliva)
7. Bad breath (halitosis)

Tips to protect your teeth while drinking tea coffee

1. Practice good oral hygiene - (Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.)
2. Rinse your mouth after drinking -(Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after drinking tea or coffee helps wash away acids and pigments.)
3. Limit sugar additions - (Try to reduce or avoid adding sugar and flavoured syrups.)
4. Visit the dentist regularly - (One should get regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings of teeth in every 6 months.)

Professional treatment for tea and coffee stains on teeth

1. Professional dental cleaning [ scaling and polishing]- It removes plaque, tartar and surface stains from teeth using ultrasonic vibrations from scaler [ a professional tool] It is sufficient for mild to moderate tea and coffee stains.
2. Professional teeth whitening [ bleaching]- Performed at dental clinic using high concentration bleaching agents which targets intrinsic and extrinsic stains and lightens teeth several shades in a short time.
3. Dental veneers [ for severe staining]- Thin porcelain shells placed over the front surface of teeth provides a permanent, stain-resistant solution.

Frequently Asked Questions