Adjusting to life with braces can be a bit of a challenge, but keeping up good oral hygiene is super important to make sure your braces do their job.
A lot of people wonder if they can still enjoy their favorite drinks like tea when they have a brace. Tea is super popular worldwide, and it’s natural to want to keep sipping it even while wearing braces. But it’s good to know what to watch out for and what’s okay to drink.
In this post, we’ll chat about what happens when you drink tea with braces, which drinks are safe, which ones to avoid, and all the tea (pun intended!) on enjoying tea with braces.
Can I drink tea with braces?
Drinking tea with braces is generally okay, but it can affect your teeth, braces, and overall oral health.
Tea has tannins, which are natural compounds that can stain your teeth. With braces, this can be even more noticeable since the brackets and wires can trap the staining stuff, making it harder to clean off.
But remember, not all teas are the same. For example, black tea, which is super popular, is known for causing stains. However, adding milk to your tea can help reduce staining, as the casein in milk binds with the tannins that cause stains.
Also, be careful when drinking hot tea, as it can be uncomfortable, especially if you’ve just got new braces or had them adjusted recently.
Hot liquids can make the brackets and wires expand, which can cause pressure and pain in your mouth. If you feel discomfort after drinking hot tea, just wait a few minutes for your braces to cool down before brushing your teeth or drinking anything else.
Will tea stain my teeth with braces?
Yep, tea can stain your teeth if you have braces. Tannins in tea can cause staining, which can be more noticeable with braces since the brackets and wires can trap the staining agents, making it harder to clean off.
While all teas have some tannins, black tea is especially known for staining. Drinking tea regularly can lead to discolored teeth, which can be tough to get rid of once it happens.
To reduce the risk of staining, try to:
- Brush your teeth right after drinking tea or other staining drinks.
- Drink tea with milk, as the casein in milk binds with the tannins that cause stains.
- Keep up good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Drink your tea through a straw. The wider the straw, the better for your teeth.
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing staining and keeping your teeth and braces clean and healthy. If you’re worried about how tea affects your teeth and braces, it’s always a good idea to chat with your orthodontist.
Can tea help with braces pain?
Braces can be uncomfortable and even painful, especially after tightening.
Drinking tea won’t magically make the pain disappear, but it might give you some comfort and relief. Some people find that warm liquids, like tea, can help soothe their mouth and reduce discomfort.
Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, have natural anti-inflammatory properties that might help with inflammation and pain.
But remember, not all teas will help with braces pain, and everyone’s experience is different.
If you’re feeling discomfort or pain from your braces, it’s always best to talk to your orthodontist. They might recommend other ways to reduce pain or suggest over-the-counter pain relief options.
Don’t forget to brush your teeth regularly and maintain good oral hygiene, even with braces. This will help minimize discomfort or pain and make sure your braces are working effectively.
What types of tea can I drink with braces?
When it comes to sipping tea with braces, some teas might be better choices than others. While some teas can cause staining or harm your braces, others are totally fine to enjoy without messing up your orthodontic treatment.
Here’s a breakdown of different types of tea and how they might affect your braces:
- Green tea. This type of tea is one of the best options for those with braces. Green tea has less tannins, which are the compounds that can cause staining, and it also has polyphenols that can help fight tooth decay.
- Herbal tea. Herbal teas usually have low levels of tannins and are a good option for people with braces. However, some herbal teas can have strong flavors that might discolor your aligners or trays.
- Black tea. Black tea has more tannins, which can stain your teeth. To minimize staining, you might want to avoid this type of tea or drink it with milk to reduce the staining effects.
- Sweet teas. It’s best to stay away from sugary teas with braces, as they can cause tooth decay and increase the risk of plaque build-up. If you want to enjoy sweet tea, consider using a sugar-free sweetener instead.
- Iced tea. Iced tea can be super refreshing on a hot day, but be aware that it can cause staining to your braces. If you want to drink iced tea with braces, it’s best to brush your teeth soon after to prevent any staining.
- Bubble tea. Bubble tea is a fun treat, but try to avoid it with braces. Bubble tea usually has lots of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay, and the tiny tapioca pearls can get stuck in your braces and be tricky to remove.
Remember, always chat with your orthodontist if you’re unsure about anything or have concerns about your braces and the drinks you enjoy. They’re there to help you get the best results from your treatment!
