Benefits of Coffee and Tea for Your Teeth

Coffee and tea can leave stains on your teeth that can be hard to eliminate with brushing alone. Before you cut your favorite beverages out of your diet, though, you should know that both coffee and tea might have several dental health benefits that outweigh their propensity to stain. West Hollywood cosmetic dentist, Dr. Poneh Ghasri, helps restore the smiles of those who enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea a few times a day.

Coffee contains trigonelline, which creates a nonstick barrier on your teeth to help prevent S. mutans, the bacteria associated with dental caries, from attaching. This barrier can also protect your teeth from the erosion associated with a diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates since oral bacteria feed off these and create an acidic byproduct that attacks dental enamel. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, green tea has similar benefits. It demonstrated that those who enjoy green tea are more likely to also enjoy good gum health.

To reduce the risks of staining associated with both coffee and tea, use a straw for cold or iced beverages, and swish with water after drinking coffee or tea.  This process, which reduces the risk of staining, can help reduce the amount of oral bacteria. Avoid using extra flavorings or sugar in your tea and coffee, and don’t imbibe too frequently: Both drinks still contain enamel-eroding acids.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our West Hollywood teeth whitening dentist, Dr. Poneh Ghasri.