Tannin- a substance that challenges your dental health! Tannins, found in many beverages and foods, have the quality of causing their bitterness and giving them color. Also, not just this, Tannins increase the color/shade intensity by attracting compounds with pigments (Chromogens) and making their way easy to stick to the enamel. Can it get any worse? Yes, Tannins tend to slow or prevent saliva production. It leads to dry mouth and increases the risk of dental plaque. If you compromise dental health, you may end up with dental problems. Remember that wine, berries, cacao, and some other eatables also have Tannins and stain your white teeth other than tea and coffee. Beware of those too!
Why so easily do your teeth develop Tea Coffee stains?
Do you also think that your teeth get stained quickly? You should know that even healthy teeth can easily become yellow with regular consumption of stain-leaving items like tea and coffee. Tooth discoloration happens because the outer covering of our teeth, i.e., the enamel, is not even. It has pores all over. Since the enamel is porous, it quickly absorbs Tannins in tea and coffee, and the colored substances stick to the teeth, giving the tooth a yellow or brown stain, which nobody likes. You can yourself see the gradual discoloration if you have these beverages daily and in excess! Now you know your teeth need extra care if you can't resist tea or coffee.
Should you be worried about your teeth if you drink a lot of tea and coffee?
You should. Teeth stains are a big NO! As mentioned, dry mouth and plaque also happen due to tea and coffee consumption. Apart from having Tannin substance, these beverages have sugar and acids! Sugar and acids harm teeth. You must be aware of how everyone asks to avoid sugar because it causes cavities and tooth decay. So, tea and coffee may have a share in causing cavities. Next, what about acids? Acids attack the teeth's enamel. Acids gradually erode the outer layer (Enamel) and make teeth sensitive and weak! Sugar and acid combination is bad for your teeth. Tea and coffee overall give rise to many teeth problems, cause toothache, and may make speaking and eating difficult as oral issues like bad breath (Halitosis). You might have other questions regarding your favorite beverage and bright teeth (Bright, are they?)! We will solve your doubts.
Are the tea and coffee stains permanent?
Stains are of three types- Extrinsic, Intrinsic, and Age-related. Extrinsic stains occur when you drink coffee, wine, tea, or have stain-causing food products. These usually need regular cleaning for removal along with good oral hygiene. Intrinsic stains are due to trauma or some issues that affect the inner layer of the teeth. Although tea and coffee do not cause intrinsic stains, if you have a broken tooth or cracks, the stains can penetrate deeper into the tooth and become permanent! Why take a risk? Professional treatments help in such cases. Then, as you age, the teeth undergo gradual wear and tear that makes the surface susceptible to discoloration, causing Age-related stains (Extrinsic and Intrinsic). We are sure you understand the effects of tea and coffee on your teeth, don't you? Do you not wonder why only certain people have light yellow or brown teeth surface?
Who is at risk of Tooth Stains?
Many people have a habit of cigarette smoking or tobacco chewing. They also have carbonated drinks and pigmented food, which often lead to tooth discoloration. When you don't practice good oral hygiene, you will see your teeth lose its brightness and whiteness. If you do not have these habits, yet your teeth are not pearly white, genetics, natural tooth color, dental trauma, and medication effects could be some of the unavoidable reasons. That doesn't mean you compromise brushing and flossing daily because avoiding these is not beneficial! It's time to move further and see the best ways you can regularly follow to prevent teeth stains because of tea and coffee!
What are the ways to avoid Tea and Coffee Teeth Stains?
You've reached this section that shows you are a tea and coffee lover and want to keep your teeth white while enjoying your favorite beverage by knowing some tips.
1. You should drink tea and coffee or other teeth-staining beverages within limits. Don't overconsume.
2. Rinse your mouth with water after having tea and coffee to remove any surface stains.
3. Do you also ask yourself, 'Should I brush my teeth after drinking tea or coffee?' Yes, you should do. Brushing after approx. 30 minutes of having tea/coffee will also help.
4. Try using a straw when you drink certain beverages. You may find it awkward, but why not? After all, it is for your teeth' health!
5. Eat chewing gums after tea or coffee consumption to avoid dry mouth due to low saliva production.
6. Use products with natural whitening properties, like baking soda (Ask a professional before trying this method!).
7. Follow a consistent oral routine by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. No compromise here, please.
8. Go to a teeth specialist if you need a permanent solution for teeth stains from tea and coffee. Because we know, you do not want to make your teeth prone to stains.
Will professional treatment help to remove teeth stains?
Definitely! Leave your worries related to light or dark teeth stains when you consider professional teeth whitening treatment. This process removes your teeth stains and bleaches your teeth to whiten them! In a session or two, you get the desired shade of your teeth without much hustle. It is the long-lasting solution to your problem. Don't have a myth that this will weaken your teeth because the process is safe and performed by an expert. You may have a question, 'Can I drink tea or coffee after professional whitening?'. You can enjoy your tea/coffee, given that you follow aftercare tips and maintain your oral hygiene.
More concerns? More doubts? Talk to the dental specialist at Karnavati Dental Clinic in Ahmedabad, who is ready to offer you more advice on getting rid of tea and coffee stains as well as professional treatment. Also, you can consult here to know the best products to keep your teeth white. Take suggestions from the ones who care for your oral health the most- a dental professional.