Can Herbal Tea Stain Teeth?
Tea can actually be more beneficial for your teeth than coffee when consumed in moderation. Herbal teas in particular tend to lack the high caffeine and acidity levels present in black or green tea varieties, and also tend to have lower acidity levels which wear away at tooth enamel over time. Unfortunately, not all herbal teas will stain similarly; whether an herbal tea stains depends upon its type, tannin content and whether chromogens and pigments bind with tooth enamel and cause discoloration.
Teas that contain tannins are more likely to stain teeth. Tannins are polyphenolic compounds which bind with and discolor enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to future staining. Black, oolong and green teas, as well as pu-erh tea, contain the highest tannin levels.
Herbal infusions like rooibos, chamomile and lemon balm tend to stain teeth less frequently due to a lack of tannins found in traditional black or green tea varieties; however, herbal infusions that contain vibrantly colored pigments such as hibiscus or blackcurrant may still lead to some minor discoloration over time.
One effective method of avoiding tea stains is drinking through a straw, as this minimizes direct contact between tea leaves and teeth and the potential risk of staining. After drinking darker varieties of tea, be sure to rinse your mouth afterward in order to wash away any residual or staining compounds left behind on teeth that might leave their mark.
Brushing regularly and using toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite to remove any existing stains can reduce tea staining considerably, as can scheduling regular dental or hygiene cleaning appointments with a dental hygienist or dentist to maintain whiter and less stained teeth.
Even if herbal tea isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of healthy and teeth-friendly beverages out there to choose from. Water is an ideal beverage as it doesn’t contain tannins or chromogens and provides essential hydration benefits. Other low-staining choices may include fruit juices such as cranberry or blackcurrant or milky drinks like white chocolate – or alternatively you could try our favorite herbal infusions such as hibiscus, chamomile and lemon balm infusions; these tasty infusions boast numerous health benefits while remaining low calorie too!
