Are Hot Drinks Bad for Your Teeth? A Dentist Investigates

The leaves are turning colors, so you know what that means: it’s pumpkin spice latte season! This trendy drink is back on the menu at both national chain coffee shops and even some local mom and pop cafes. Like most coffee beverages, the fall season’s hottest drink is, quite literally, hot! While hot drinks are great for keeping you warm during the brisk autumn months, they can affect your teeth differently than water or other cool beverages. In today’s blog, your dentist examines how hot drinks affect teeth and what steps you can take this fall to maintain a healthy smile in between dental checkups.

How Hot Drinks Affect Tooth Color

Whether you brew your own pot of coffee at home in the morning or buy a cup to go on your way to work, habitually drinking coffee over long periods of time can cause your teeth to become discolored. That is because coffee contains naturally-occurring compounds called “tannins”, which can build up on the microscopic pits and ridges of enamel and cause staining.

Hot teas can also stain your teeth, depending on how rich they are in tannins. Drinking black tea often is more likely to stain your teeth, while green tea and herbal teas are less likely to have a discoloring effect.

The Danger of Hidden Sugar

Many fancy hot coffee drinks these days are loaded with sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay. For example, according to one newspaper report, a medium pumpkin spice latte from a national chain contains 50 grams of sugar. That is the federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommended sugar intake for an entire day – in a single beverage! Perhaps slightly less surprisingly, hot chocolate is another warm drink that contains high levels of sugar and should be consumed infrequently.

Tips for a Healthy Smile

At this point, you may be wondering: “are hot drinks so bad for my teeth that I should give them up entirely?”. However, you can rest easy! Here are a few tips you can follow to maintain a healthy smile while enjoying hot drinks this fall and winter:

• Use a Straw – Sipping through a straw helps reduce the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth. If you feel a bit awkward at first using straws with hot drinks like coffee or tea, first try using them at home when you’re alone.
• Refresh with Water – When you do drink coffee, tea or other staining beverages, try to drink a glass of water afterward. Not only is water great for keeping you refreshed and hydrated, but it can help prevent tooth discoloration by washing away dark liquids from teeth.
• Brush Your Teeth Afterward – The longer dark liquid sits on your teeth, the more likely visible staining will occur. Stash an extra toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste at work so you are always prepared!

Now that you know more about the effect hot beverages can have on teeth, you can make more informed decisions about what you drink on a daily basis. By consuming hot drinks in moderation and following the helpful tips above, you can enjoy your fall favorites and still maintain a healthy, whole smile!

About the Author

Dr. Jon Davidson has over 20 years of professional experience helping patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. The proud University of Detroit Mercy graduate takes well above the minimum education requirements each year to stay on top of the latest advancements in dental science and technology. For more dental health tips, visit the Dental Dynamics website or call Dr. Davidson at 847-329-9801.