Coffee And Tea: Are They Ruining Your Teeth?

It’s another weekday morning after a long weekend, and you are tired. In fact, you are so tired that you’re contemplating whether you truly need that job or that degree, but you know you do. So what do you do every morning before work or school for a pick-me-up? You get yourself some coffee, that’s what. Whether you’re your own at-home barista or you go visit the one not too far from your home, coffee is your energizer, and you need it. The same goes for tea lovers as well. Sometimes you need some help with your energy, and the best way to get it is through a cup of coffee or tea. What happens when this cup turns into multiple cups throughout the day and during the week? Can that affect you negatively in some way? Well, unfortunately, one cup too many can damage your mouth in more ways than you think.

They May Taste Great, But What Are They Doing To Your Teeth?

There are many foods in this world that may stain your teeth, and coffee is high up on that list. This drink is known for staining the enamel of your teeth over time, but did you know that tea is also a beverage that stains your teeth over time?

It’s not talked about nearly as much as coffee and how it ruins the enamel, but tea is also a tooth stainer. Most herbal, black, and green teas contain tannin, which stains the teeth and gums.

How This Damage Affects Them Over Time

When drinking these two beverages often, over time, they can cause staining and discoloration on your teeth because coffee stains your enamel.

It also changes the pH balance in your mouth. Once the balance in your mouth is off, your teeth are even more vulnerable to being stained by other types of foods.

Drinking black tea leaves yellowish stains over time, drinking green tea leaves grayish stains, and even chamomile and hibiscus tea can cause discoloration over time if you drink them regularly.

These two beverages also cause tooth erosion. The main culprit of why your teeth may start decaying when drinking coffee and tea is often because of sugar. Sugar over time causes decay. Coffee is naturally acidic as well. When the acid from coffee and sugar combine, they damage your teeth faster by eroding your enamel.

Once your enamel starts to decay, it exposes the nerve endings on your teeth, making them extremely sensitive. Tea can have the same effects, but it may take a little more time for this to start happening.

These two beverages can also cause bad breath and lead to Halitosis if you are constantly drinking them on an empty stomach.

How To Drink To Lower The Risk Of Damage To Your Teeth

Now, you may not be able to give up tea and coffee cold turkey, and no one expects you to. Drinking the two doesn’t have to stop completely, but you can lower your intake of how many cups a day you drink.

Instead of having two to three cups of coffee or tea a day, try one to two. Adding a little milk or cream to your tea can help reduce the risk of staining over time. Skipping the sugar when making yourself a cup also helps with preventing decay, erosion, and bad breath. Drinking your coffee and tea with a straw or a lid can also be a great way to lower your risk of damaging your teeth. Also, drink the beverage in one sitting and do not sip it throughout the day. After you finish, drink a cup of water to rinse your mouth out.

Getting your teeth cleaned and whitened can help with the overall appearance as well. Visiting an orthodontist once a year can be helpful when assessing the damage and taking steps to fix it.

Are There Alternatives?

Besides not drinking the two, there aren’t many healthy alternatives that can reduce your risk of damage and still give you that kick you need. That’s why it’s important to learn how to drink these two beverages properly and follow the steps stated above.

Giving up coffee or tea is not easy, nor is it doable for some, but as long as you know the damage it can cause in the future and take the necessary precautions to lower the risk, then you’re already a step ahead. So enjoy your cup, but make sure you do it correctly.

FAQ: How to Prevent Tea and Coffee from Staining Your Teeth

How do you keep tea and coffee from staining your teeth?

Tea and coffee contain tannins, which can stick to enamel and cause discoloration over time. To minimize staining:
Drink through a straw: This reduces contact with your teeth.
Rinse or brush after drinking: Rinsing with water or brushing 30 minutes after consumption can help.
Use whitening toothpaste: Choose one with stain-removing agents.
Get regular dental cleanings: Professional cleanings remove surface stains.
Limit sipping time: The longer teeth are exposed, the more likely they are to stain.

Does tea stain your teeth as bad as coffee?

Surprisingly, tea can stain teeth even more than coffee. Black teas are particularly high in tannins, which contribute to yellowing. Herbal and green teas may stain less, but they can still cause discoloration over time.

How do tea drinkers keep their teeth white?

Tea drinkers can maintain whiter teeth by:

Choosing lighter teas: Opt for white, green, or herbal teas with fewer tannins.
Drinking water afterward: It helps wash away staining compounds.
Using a straw: This avoids direct contact with teeth.
Practicing good oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly.
Whitening treatments: Over-the-counter or professional treatments can remove deep stains.

How can I drink coffee without staining my teeth?

To enjoy coffee while protecting your smile:

Add milk: Dairy or plant-based milk can lighten coffee’s staining potential.
Use a straw: Especially with iced coffee, it reduces contact with teeth.
Limit frequency and duration: Don’t sip coffee throughout the day—drink it in one sitting.
Brush or rinse after drinking: Wait 30 minutes to avoid damaging softened enamel.
Try whitening products: Use whitening toothpaste or strips to counteract buildup.