What Is It About Tea And Coffee That Leaves Dental Stains Behind?

The majority of people are aware of the myth that coffee stains teeth or inhibits growth, but tea can actually do the same thing. Due to their tannin content, coffee and tea are the main causes of tooth discoloration. Plants that are used to manufacture coffee, tea, and other beverages contain tannins. Our enamel begins to alter and become discolored when those tannins accumulate on the surface of our teeth. Thus, consuming dark tea and coffee is the main cause of tooth discoloration.

Coffee Vs. Tea

So, if they are both bad because they both cause staining, there must be one that is better for your teeth than the other. Experts have gone back and forth on this too. Some argue that black tea is worse for your teeth because it contains a high caffeine content (which can lead to grinding your teeth), and it stains on top of that. Meanwhile, others believe that coffee is worse because it has a deeper stain and a lot of caffeine. In reality, the one which is worse for you is the one you drink the most of.

What Can I Do?

We don’t think that you should have to completely cut out all teas and all coffees, but you should be aware of how much you drink and how they are affecting your body. If you can switch from black tea to green and then change the green to a decaffeinated version, that is your best outcome for teas. (Green tea also has good benefits for your teeth.) While with coffee, other than switching to a light roast, or a decaffeinated version, the next best thing you can do is not drink it throughout the day. One or two cups in the morning are all you need to be awake for the rest of the day, so stick to that and don’t drink it throughout the day, as that is when stains adhere to themselves. If you’d like to know more about your teeth and how our choices affect them, or if you’d like to set up an appointment with a Henderson dental specialist for a consultation, give our office a call.