Are Hot Drinks Bad for Your Teeth? A Dentist Explains the Facts

With September already coming to an end, it’s only going to get cooler moving forward. As a result, you’ll likely be more enticed to pick up a hot cup of coffee on the way to work or pour yourself some hot tea on your day off. But have you ever stopped to think what damage that beverage could be doing to your enamel? Have you ever asked yourself if hot drinks are bad for your teeth? If not, you’ll want to listen to the facts coming from a dentist. Doing so could save your enamel and prevent teeth sensitivity later.

How Hot Drinks Exacerbate Staining

If you enjoy drinking coffee, tea, or other beverages that are richly-pigmentated, you should know that the tannins in these drinks can easily stain teeth, making them dull and discolored in appearance. Tannins are molecules that carry richly-colored properties, which can easily stain teeth because of the porous texture enamel maintains. Their staining properties are even worse if you consume them on a regular basis.

However, the fact that these beverages are hot adds another layer of concern. Hot beverages can cause tooth enamel to be more susceptible to staining. If you are coming in from outside and it’s very cold, drinking a hot beverage can even lead to micro cracks in your enamel. This can also cause increased sensitivity and even tooth pain if not properly managed.

Preventing Potential Tooth Decay

Many beverages tend to have large amounts of sugar and acidic compounds in them. Hot coffee for example is acidic in nature, which puts your teeth at risk of enamel erosion. While the same is not as true for tea, it can be if you choose to include squeezed lemon in that tea. Black teas tend to have acidic compounds as well, albeit they are less acidic than coffee overall.

Either way, you’ll want to pay close attention to your coffee and tea intake, especially if you add sugar or other sweeteners to them. If you are regularly bathing your teeth in these hot beverages throughout the day, your risk for tooth decay only goes up. Thankfully, there are ways to enjoy them while minimizing your risks. All you need to do is keep a few important tips in mind.

Protecting Teeth from Hot Drinks

One of the most effective ways to reduce staining and tooth decay when drinking these beverages is by using a straw.  This redirects the beverage away from your tooth enamel while still allowing you to consume it. Another great habit is to drink plain water as you drink beverages like coffee or tea. This gives you a chance to wash away the tannins before they have a chance to settle on your enamel and stain or erode it.

While it’s perfectly OK to consume warm beverages as it gets cooler, it’s important to recognize that there are ways to do so responsibly. By consuming responsibly, you can ensure you have a bright smile during the chilly months.

About the Author

Dr. Jayme Martinez earned his DDS degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. He regularly participates in continuing education to keep his skills sharp, including on subjects like cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about his practice or get your teeth brightened in time for the fall season, you can contact him through his website.