How Tea Affects Your Teeth

How Tea Affects Your Teeth

June is National Iced Tea Month! Nothing quenches your thirst quite like a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer’s day. This is the time to celebrate this refreshing drink of choice for so many. Without taking away from the pleasure of this beloved summertime favorite, we would like to take this opportunity share exactly how drinking iced tea affects your teeth.
The Good – Drinking unsweetened tea is a good source of fluoride. Tea contains antioxidants, which may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Studies also show that black tea can actually inhibit growth of bacteria in your mouth and possibly ward off a precancerous oral condition called leukoplakia.

The Bad – Tea contains tannic acid, which stains the enamel on your teeth. The tannic acid can settle in the grooves of your teeth, which can cause discoloration over time. This is purely cosmetic and does not cause any oral health issues.
 

Ways to combat how iced tea affects your teeth negatively:

• Drink unsweetened, brewed tea and try to stay away from bottled and canned tea that is loaded with sugar.
• Drink lots of water, which can help you maintain a healthy supply of saliva, which protects teeth by neutralizing acid.
• Using a straw when drinking tea can minimize the coating of tannin and sugars on the teeth.
• Maintain proper brushing and flossing at home.
• Get regular, professional cleanings.
• Your dentist may also remove the staining through bleaching procedures.

It’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your teeth in optimum shape so you can enjoy sweeter things in life without compromising your smile. Stay vigilant with your home dental routine and make sure to keep your dental checkups current. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528. Our friendly staff at Westchase Premier Dental is ready to assist you.

For further reading on How Tea Affects Your Teeth in a positive way, go to PacificCollege.edu.