Tea - Friend or Foe? We Have Answers!

Are you a tea drinker? If so, you might be wondering if tea is great for your teeth, or if it can cause issues in the long-run. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri and we have the answers for you and we're excited to share the results! Keep reading to learn all about it. 

Fluoride

Yes! Believe it or not, black and green tea contains fluoride - The mineral that is known for helping strengthen your teeth and protecting/repairing your enamel. Fluoride is also found in most tap water and other kinds of common foods. Additionally, it is a common (and important!) ingredient in toothpaste.

Reducing Acid & Bacteria

Tea can actually help control the level of acid in your mouth. This helps reduce the amount of bacteria able to grow in your mouth which protects your teeth from decay. 

Gum Inflammation

Tea contains some micronutrients called polyphenols. These help kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce inflammation naturally. They also help give you better breath... Win-win! 

Cancer

There is some research out there that shows green tea could have properties that help slow the growth of certain kinds of cancer, like cancer of the mouth!

Stains

One negative to tea is that it can stain the surface of your teeth. The tannins inside tea give it the brownish hue you're used to seeing. That brownish color can transfer to your teeth and make them look yellow. This is pretty easy to prevent, though, by rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking tea.

Not Plain

A lot of people don't drink tea plain. Instead, they add sugar, honey, lemon, or even cream. These additions are what really make tea not so healthy for your mouth. The acid and sugar content promotes bacteria growth, causes inflammation, and can make your teeth decay quickly. 

Keep Your Teeth Healthy! 

Overall, tea seems like it has a lot of great benefits for your dental health! The important tips to remember when you drink tea is to drink it plain if possible, and rinse your mouth with water after drinking it if stains are becoming an issue for your teeth. Access Dental and Dentures is here to help you keep your mouth healthy and happy - Contact us to set up your next appointment! 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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