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Tea stain on teeth

Does tea stain your teeth?

As a tea lover, you must have asked yourself this question at least once, does tea stain your teeth? Yes, tea stains your teeth, especially black tea has the highest potential to cause tea stains on teeth. Naturally, if you don’t follow regular dental hygiene and consume acidic foods or drinks, your teeth will become stained. Tea makes this scenario worse because the tannins in it stick to your teeth at the molecular level.

Here, we’ll talk about the effects of tea on teeth, the fine particles in tea, the different types of tea, and some tips on how to reduce tea stains on teeth. We believe that experience is the best teacher. We suggest you drink a cup of tea and enjoy reading this article while drinking it. In the end, you will get to know the best way to remove tea stains on your teeth.

Does tea stain your teeth?

Yes, it stains your teeth by leaving behind a compound called tannin. We all know that most things we eat or drink have the potential to turn our pearly white teeth yellow or darker. The main cause of this color change is usually dead agents called chromogens. But in the case of tea, these factors are tannins.

The driving force behind tea stains on teeth

Tea is also known to discolor teeth, but why does tea stain your teeth?

Tea has small particles called “tannin” in it, which will make your teeth yellow in time. Tannins can get on your smooth teeth. Your teeth aren’t that smooth at microscopic levels, and tannins find themselves in some rough places to get stuck. When they get stuck for a while, your teeth turn yellow.

What is tannin?

Tannins are natural chemical compounds of plants. They are also called tannic acid. Tannins are found in legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Some drinks have a high volume of tannins. Wine, tea, and cider. Most of these drinks get their color from the tannins in them. The dominant color of tannin is also used in animal leather.

They have various functions such as helping plants grow and protecting against animals. This is the bitter taste and dry mouth after drinking wine or tea. Additionally, tannins are also known to protect trees from fire.

Tannins are not harmful to your body. Some sources even claim that they may reduce the risk of cancer and prevent the formation of certain bacteria and viruses in your body.

The amount of tea stains on the teeth

For each type of tea, the chances of staining teeth while drinking them are more or less. Apart from tannin content and chromogens, the acidity level of your tea is also important. The more acidic your tea is, the more chance you have of discolored teeth.

Does black tea stain teeth?

  Yes, I’m sorry to break the truth like this, but the high tannin level and acidic level of black tea will stain your teeth. Many of us love black tea, but if you have to choose between your love of tea and white teeth, you need to find a balance to prevent tea stains on your teeth.

The tannin level in black tea is so high that you can even feel it on its own because it dries out your mouth and tastes bitter. Black tea also has a low pH level, making it worse for your teeth. According to one study, with the first sip of black tea, the pH level of your gums decreases. In long-term use, it erodes tooth enamel, and then stains are placed on those eroded places.

Some types of black tea are:

  • English tea
  • Earl Gray
  • Black Ceylon
  • Black Assam

By using some techniques and tips, you can minimize the effects of its color change.

acidity

The acid level of tea has an important effect on your teeth. Apart from tannin, the low acid level of tea can also change the color of your teeth for various reasons. Herbal teas are usually made from acidic flowers and fruits. When you drink herbal teas like blackberry tea, it may erode the outer surface of your teeth (enamel), exposing the inner surface (dentin).

Your enamel is the main reason your teeth are white, and discoloration occurs when it becomes stained or eroded. Your dentin, on the other hand, is not as white as enamel, and when exposed to light, a yellow image is obtained.

This process is also called demineralization. When your teeth are demineralized, the surface becomes more vulnerable to the agents of death, which stick to your teeth more with the aid of a newly eroded rough surface. To have a whiter smile, it is better to avoid acidic tea.

The recommended acidity level for your tea is around 5.5 to 7 pH. The lower the pH level, the more acidic your tea will be. Some average tea pH levels include:

  • Blackberry tea PH 2.5
  • Earl Gray PH 4.5
  • Black tea 5 PH
  • Oolong tea 5.5 to 7 PH
  • Green tea 7 to PH 10

Green tea for dull teeth

Green teas are wonderful teas, they smell so good and their taste may put you in a magical mood. They also have many health benefits such as: improving brain function, increasing fat, and reducing bad breath. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely harmless when it comes to staining your teeth. If you consume too much, they will stain your teeth over time.

Unlike black tea, green tea leaves a dull color. It is not easy to recognize at first glance. This is again of the tannin content of green tea, which causes your teeth to discolor over time

Do all teas leave stains?

Yes, some teas cause less staining, but it’s hard to talk about stain-free teas. These teas cause fewer stains than other teas. Interestingly, there is a type of tea that gives you whiter teeth called mint tea.

White tea: White tea for white teeth. White tea is produced like green and black tea, but the difference is that it is not processed. It is also good for your body and you can enjoy it without causing tea stains on your teeth.

Peppermint tea: Interestingly, peppermint tea is not only stain-free but also has a whitening effect. You can enjoy its beautiful taste while not worrying about tea stains on your teeth.

Rooibos tea: Rooibos tea is not thought to affect the color of your teeth. It is not like black or green tea with its herbal ingredients. Aspalathus linearis is the rooibos plant from which it is made. This plant has no tannin. If you are concerned about tea stains on your teeth, this is a safe choice.

Does tea stain your teeth more than coffee?

You may be surprised to hear this, but yes, tea stains your teeth more than coffee. In general, unlike coffee, tea has more tannins. We know that the drink or food you consume causes more stains if it has too much tannin, but with this information, coffee lovers may have whiter teeth.

How to protect our teeth from stains?

Enjoying a cup of tea and protecting your teeth from yellowing is not a dream. You can add some additives, try some methods, and also change the type of tea you drink to prevent teeth staining and protect your oral health. If you want to know how to prevent teeth from tea staining, here is the list you need!

  • Try to drink in a shorter amount of time: When you take more time to sip, your teeth are exposed to the tea for a longer period. Try to reduce your drinking time.
  • Drink with a straw: Drinking tea with a straw reduces the chance of tea stain agents coming into contact with the teeth. We recommend drinking your tea with a straw, drinking very hot tea with a straw, otherwise, it may hurt your throat.
  • Rinse your mouth with water: Be sure to rinse your mouth with a glass of water after drinking tea, this will reduce stains. You can brush your teeth 30 minutes after drinking tea.
  • Brush your teeth: Brush your teeth twice a day even if you don’t do it daily.
  • Change your tea choices: If you drink teas that have less tannins and caffeine, you will protect your teeth.
  • Let it steep less: Less steeping or steeping will reduce the amount of tea stains on the teeth.
  • Don’t add lemon or sugar: both lower the pH level and make it more acidic, which isn’t good for your teeth. On the other hand, sugar also increases the accumulation of bacteria.
  • Reduce its acidity: If you drink acidic tea (such as chamomile), adding a little more water will help reduce its acidity. Less soaking time also reduces acidity. The best tea for your teeth is less acidic.
  • Reduce your tea consumption: It may sound harsh, but reducing or limiting your daily tea consumption is the best way to prevent blemishes.

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