As a fellow tea-lover, you may know that tea consumption across the globe is consistently high. By some accounts, we collectively consume over 3 million tons of tea annually. And tea’s popularity is no surprise; it offers a much-needed pick-me-up on a Monday morning, a wide range of health benefits, and a relaxing, meditative way to end the day. However, an unfortunately noticeable disadvantage of drinking tea is that most teas stain your teeth. What’s the answer to this dilemma? Are there any teas that do not stain your teeth?
Five teas that will not stain your teeth are:
- White tea
- Rooibos Tea
- Yerba Mate
- Peppermint tea
- Green tea mixed with milk
Protecting your teeth from stains while trying to enjoy your favorite tea can be frustrating.
Read on to find out more about five teas that won’t stain your teeth. You’ll also learn why teas tend to stain your teeth.
With some options to rely on, you can continue to enjoy delicious tea without destroying your pearly whites.
“Tea is a common cause of teeth stains because of its high acidity and tannin content. Switching to another type of tea, such as white tea, Rooibos tea, Yerba Mate, or peppermint tea, can lessen your chances of teeth staining.”
TEA CROSSING
5 Teas That Won’t Stain Your Teeth
Most people are aware that black coffee can wreak havoc on your teeth.
What some people might not be aware of is that dark teas, such as black and green teas, can also destroy the whiteness of your teeth, leaving them with stains ranging from mild to severe.
However, this doesn’t mean that you’re entirely out of luck when it comes to drinking tea. Thankfully, there are a few quality options to choose from that won’t stain your teeth.
In addition to covering the basics of each of these teas, we’ll also touch on their respective benefits.
White Tea
Avid tea drinkers enjoy the bitter but refreshing flavor of tea. Unfortunately, though, black and green teas are notorious for leaving stains on the teeth, even though they are ridiculously beneficial to your health.
For tea drinkers who want to enjoy the tea flavor without the stains, white tea is a great option.
White tea is a lighter color and does not have the properties needed to cause stains.
Don’t think just because it’s lightly hued that it isn’t a powerhouse of nutrients for your body.
White tea comes from the same plant as black and green tea. However, it’s not as processed, which means you consume even more healthy benefits.
Some of the benefits associated with white tea include:
- It’s loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants aren’t solely found in black and green teas. They are also found in abundance in white tea. These antioxidants are beneficial to your health, especially when it comes to protecting your cells.
- It lowers the risk of heart disease. A lowered risk of heart disease is a significant benefit of consuming white tea—the antioxidants found in the tea work to lower cholesterol levels while boosting immunity and relaxing blood vessels.
- It may help to lose weight. White tea, just like green tea, contains caffeine and catechins that are useful when it comes to losing weight.
- It protects the teeth. White tea combats sugars and bacteria in the mouth, which means you have better protection from cavities as well as gum disease.
- It lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The compound known as EGCG has been shown to reduce the chances of one developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
As you can see, white tea is a healthy choice that won’t stain your teeth. The tea works to protect your mouth while fighting off cavities and gum disease. Consider switching to white tea to help your teeth look and feel amazing.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea, also referred to as red tea or red bush tea (and pronounced “roy-boss”), is a popular choice for anyone trying to avoid tea stains.
It is also commonly referred to as “coffee drinkers’ tea” because of its nutty flavor.
The tea is made using leaves from a shrub grown on the west coast of South Africa, known as Aspalathus linearis. It is an herbal tea that is not related to green or black teas.
Many people enjoy Rooibos tea for two reasons:
- It tastes fantastic, and
- It doesn’t stain the teeth.
This means that you can sip on Rooibos tea as often as you’d like without having to worry about teeth staining. It’s also an excellent alternative for coffee drinkers who are looking to reduce or avoid coffee intake, as the rich flavor mimics that of coffee.
Some other reasons to consider switching to Rooibos tea are:
- It is low in tannins. Tannins have been shown to interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, including iron. Black and green tea tend to be high in tannins, while Rooibos tea is not. Therefore, one can feel confident that they are absorbing nutrients as they should.
- It doesn’t have caffeine. Some individuals can’t handle caffeine, making Rooibos tea a top-notch choice.
- It doesn’t have oxalic acid. Black tea is high in oxalic acid, which has been shown to increase the chances of developing kidney stones. Anyone with kidney issues should switch to Rooibos tea.
- It is rich in antioxidants. Although it is not associated with green or black teas, Rooibos teas are still very rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the cells and decrease the chances of developing heart disease and cancer.
- It is beneficial for those with type-2 diabetes. Rooibos tea has been shown to help balance blood sugars while also reducing insulin resistance. This is beneficial for those who are struggling with type-2 diabetes or are at risk of developing the illness.
Anyone seeking to change their intake of staining beverages like coffee and black tea may consider Rooibos as an option. Not only does it not stain your teeth, but it’s also a healthy choice that is loaded with antioxidants. It’s also an excellent option for those who struggle with caffeine consumption.
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is an herbal tea made from leaves and twigs in South America, most notably from the Ilex paraguariensis plant.
Yerba Mate has an incredibly robust flavor with a hint of chocolate, making it another suitable option for those who consume coffee regularly.
Aside from its interesting flavor, Yerba Mate does not stain the teeth yet still contains many health benefits.
Some of the unique health benefits you will find with this herbal tea include:
- It is rich in antioxidants. Yerba Mate has a slightly higher level of antioxidants compared to green tea. It also contains almost every vitamin and mineral needed in the body, as well as 7 out of 9 essential amino acids.
- It has the right amount of caffeine. Yerba Mate contains 85 mg of caffeine. This is noticeably less than coffee, yet more than most teas, making it the perfect amount. With the right amount of caffeine, you can expect a subtle boost of energy with heightened mental focus.
- It fights against infections. The compounds found in Yerba Mate make it a power source for preventing different types of infections that can stem from harmful bacteria, parasites, and even fungi.
- It lowers blood sugar. Yerba Mate has also been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, which means it can seriously help those struggling with type-2 diabetes or those at risk of the disease. Aside from lowering blood sugar, the tea works to improve insulin signaling, as well.
With an intense, chocolatey flavor and plenty of health benefits, Yerba Mate is a tasty tea that won’t stain the teeth. It contains just the right amount of caffeine to give a boost during the day, while also working to lower blood sugar, increase protection from infections, and keep the heart healthy with antioxidants.
Peppermint Tea
The spunky flavor of peppermint tea makes it a popular choice among consumers, especially during the winter and close to holidays, as it gives that warm and cozy feeling.
But what consumers might not expect is that peppermint tea is unlikely to cause tooth stains, making it an excellent tea option.
Peppermint tea has been known to leave subtle stains on teeth, but this is only after heavy and continuous use. Even then, peppermint tea is far less likely to leave noticeable stains that would occur with other beverages such as coffee, black tea, or red wine.
You may also want to read my article Is Mint Tea the Same as Green Tea? Plus, Benefits of Both.
Peppermint tea, aside from being a tea that won’t stain the teeth, also has a slew of health benefits.
Some of these benefits include:
- It is a natural stress-reliever. The menthol found in peppermint tea has proven to be an excellent muscle and mind relaxer. Many people feel calmer and at ease when consuming peppermint tea. The tea also promotes better sleep and falling asleep easier.
- It may help with weight loss. Peppermint tea may also act as an appetite suppressor, which leads to less consumption of calories during the day. This aids in overall weight loss.
- It improves digestion. Those struggling with any type of stomach issue, such as constipation, IBS, or motion sickness, can find relief with peppermint tea. The menthol soothes the digestive tract and helps you conquer these ailments and have regular bowel movements.
- It improves the immune system. The antibacterial properties of peppermint tea can be used to fight off diseases and illnesses while improving the immune system. This is due to the tea’s high levels of antioxidants, as well as potassium and Vitamin B.
Consuming peppermint tea is refreshing, soothing, and won’t leave stains on your teeth. It also allows for a stress-free state of mind. Those with indigestion will also find relief in this tea, while others will enjoy improved immune systems and sleep patterns.
Green Tea with Milk
Although green tea is not as staining as darker beverages, such as coffee or black tea, it is still a primary culprit of teeth staining when it’s consumed frequently on its own.
However, there is a way to combat the staining issue: Simply add milk to your green tea.
A green tea and milk mixture is beneficial for two major reasons:
- Milk is an excellent drink for oral health. Its high levels of calcium help the enamel stay strong.
- It also does not have any acidic properties, which means it is not likely to damage the teeth.
Furthermore, milk prevents other beverages (such as green tea) from staining the teeth because it contains casein. This ingredient attaches to the tannins of dark beverages, preventing them from sticking to the teeth and causing stains.
You might be wondering: “Can you mix milk with other beverages, such as black tea and coffee, and not have to fear stains?” The truth is that while milk significantly lessens the chances of tooth stains, green tea is simply not as dark as coffees or black teas. Therefore, green tea with milk has the least chance of staining your teeth.
Green tea is also recommended because it is a tea that improves oral health tremendously. From cavity prevention to gum health to cancer prevention to managing bad breath, green tea is a powerhouse for the mouth. Just remember to add milk to avoid potential stains.
For you avid tea drinkers who may be nervous about adding milk to their tea because the taste might be compromised, don’t fret. Adding a few tablespoons of milk to green tea takes the bitterness out of the drink, providing a creamier, more luscious taste. A milk and green tea blend is an excellent solution for keeping your teeth pearly white while sipping on something delicious.
Why Does Traditional Tea Stain Teeth?
It is essential to understand why tea stains your teeth. Otherwise, you might not think twice before drinking a favorite cup of hot tea.
The tannins, an organic substance that is found in tea, contribute to a tea’s tendency to stain teeth. Tannins come from the plants used to make the tea.
Aside from the tannins, most teas have a high level of acid. This acid causes the tooth enamel to soften, which allows for the tannins to stick to the soft surfaces easier, leaving your teeth with a deeper, more obvious stain.
How to Combat Tooth Stains from Tea
For some, switching to another tea or ditching teas and coffees entirely can be quite a challenge.
Luckily, that doesn’t mean a destiny of dark-colored teeth. While you may still experience some staining on your teeth, there are still plenty of ways to combat tooth stains that are left from dark teas.
To combat tooth stains caused by tea, you can do the following:
- Always rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash directly after consuming dark tea. The goal is mainly to wash away any of the leftover dark-colored beverage that may be sticking to the teeth. All that is needed is a quick rinse with plain water or with a mouthwash. Make sure the wash happens directly after consuming the beverage for the best results.
- Add milk to your tea. Adding milk to a dark-colored beverage can lessen the chances of staining because milk latches on to the tannins and does not allow them to stick to teeth. The added benefit of consuming milk is the consumption of calcium, a tooth-strengthening ingredient.
- Reduce your tea intake. If you drink dark teas regularly, you will notice more substantial staining. The best way to reduce how much staining occurs is to lessen the number of dark teas you consume daily. Also, consider swapping to one of the teas mentioned above to reduce staining without lowering your overall consumption.
- Brush and floss regularly. It’s important to brush and floss regularly, at least once in the morning and once at night. Consider brushing and flossing after consuming a dark-colored beverage, as well. This will brush off any leftover tannins while floss will get in-between the teeth to remove hidden tannins that can’t be reached with a brush or mouthwash.
- Add abrasive foods to your diet. Abrasive foods (those that are brittle or crunchy) can help to scrub tannins off your teeth. Consider adding a variety of abrasive foods to your diet, including apples, carrots, celery, pea pods, pears, cucumbers, radishes, chestnuts, and rice crackers.
- Use a straw. Another option is to use a straw when consuming dark teas. This will keep the tannins from contacting the front of the tooth, thus avoiding stains on the surface.
- Consider whitening options. There are at-home teeth whitening strips and toothpaste that can be used to help ease the stains. In-office whitening options are also available at most dentist offices, although they come with a hefty price tag.
Tea is a common cause of teeth stains because of its high acidity and tannin content. Switching to another type of tea, such as white tea, Rooibos tea, Yerba Mate, or peppermint tea, can lessen your chances of teeth staining.
Avoiding stains and fixing current stains isn’t too difficult. By merely swapping to tooth-friendly teas, lessening tea intake, or washing and brushing directly after drinking your tea, you can reduce the chance of stains from forming on your teeth. You can also consider simpler solutions, like utilizing straws or mixing your tea with milk.