That steaming mug you reach for to begin your day usually plays a starring role in your routines, however, if you’re starting to notice your smile has lost some of its luster, your brew could be partly to blame. The upside is that it’s quite common and there are measures you can take to address it without needing to part with your precious drink altogether!
Why Tea and Coffee Stain
Tea and coffee contain tannins, which cling on to the crevices and irregular surfaces of the enamel and leave behind yellow or brown staining. Dark or heavily brewed teas have more potential to leave unsightly marks.
Acidic Content & Continuous Sipping
Both tea and coffee are mildly acidic and regular consumption can leave your enamel slightly softened and more open to staining during these periods. Although the enamel re-harden’s following exposure, it’s more likely to pick up stains during this time. This isn’t a huge concern unless you’re sipping regularly throughout the day as it doesn’t give the enamel long periods to recover and harden.
The Added Sugar Factor
If you’re adding sugar to your morning brew or black tea, sugar actually feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and the enzymes which eat away at your enamel. There’s no need to give up sugar as it provides essential nutrients, however, over-consumption can definitely accelerate staining and plaque build-up which leads to gingivitis!
Sip Frequency Matters
That morning cuppa or coffee you enjoy while settling into your day has a totally different impact to when you sip slowly throughout the day or when adding multiple cups into the mix. Staining compounds and acids are given more time and opportunity to interact with your enamel when constantly exposed to the beverage over longer periods.
Top Tips for Cutting Stains
As much as your brew brightens your morning, it isn’t the best thing for your teeth. Here are some top things you can try in order to protect your pearly whites without giving up your morning ritual:
- Limit how long you sip your drink over and aim for finishing within a short window.
- Rinsing with water after your brew to displace any staining compounds that have latched onto your teeth
- Using a straw when sipping cold coffee or tea to reduce contact staining on the teeth
- Avoid brushing your teeth for roughly 30 minutes after consuming acidic drinks or tea
- Keeping up your regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings to clear surface stains and prevent excessive plaque build-up
When Staining Can Go Deeper Than Expected
Although most staining from tea and coffee occur just under the enamel, some occur underneath or inside the enamel and might require a complete approach. As a qualified dentist, we’ll be able to determine the nature of the staining and the most appropriate measure for tackling it.
Incorporating Teeth Whitening Treatment to Treat Staining
Depending on your circumstances, one of the best options for removing surface and cumulative stains from multiple years of tea or coffee drinking is in-practice teeth whitening treatment. A professional assessment of your general or gum health will be the only way of determining if you’re a suitable candidate as everyone’s situation is different from a teeth staining point of view.
Enjoying Your Brew and a Bright Smile Is a Totally Compatible Combo!
It’s simply a matter of keeping a few safeguards in mind to keep your smile bright and your teeth clean and safe. If you’re concerned by the stains your coffee or tea have caused, a visit to Mumtaj Dental Care will be able to let you know the most appropriate course of action.
