Who doesn’t love a warm cup of coffee or tea in the morning or on a rainy day? As an avid coffee and tea drinker I usually start my morning with a cup of coffee but occasionally will switch it up with a cup of tea. Since I enjoy both coffee and tea, I wondered which one is better for your teeth?
Both coffee and tea have a bad reputation for staining your teeth. Tannins, which cause tooth discoloration, are a common ingredient in both coffee and tea. Both drinks are also high in acid, which can cause the enamel to soften, allowing the tannins to have an easier surface to stick to.
So which drink goes easier on your teeth?
The answer is coffee! Tea has higher levels of both acid and tannins, resulting in more teeth stains. In general, the darker your tea, the more potential it has to stain your teeth.
Here’s the good news: There are easy ways to help reduce teeth staining from coffee or tea:
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after drinking
- Add milk or cream to your coffee or tea
- If you are drinking multiple cups a day, consider reducing your intake
- Consider switching from black tea to an herbal tea like green or chamomile
- Brush and floss after consuming
- Talk to your dentist about tooth whitening options
Use these tips, maintain a healthy oral routine, and you can protect your smile!