The chances are, you probably love a cup of tea. In the UK, Brits drink around 50 billion cups of tea each year, on average. Black tea, in particular, gets its distinctive colour and taste from the oxidation stage, and is what makes black tea taste and look different from different to green and white teas.
While we are a nation of tea drinkers, this does, unfortunately, mean that we are more prone to having stained teeth, with black tea proven to create more staining than other types of tea. It’s natural for our teeth to become discoloured and stained over time, but black tea can speed up staining far sooner than some other lifestyle factors.
Is black tea good or bad for the teeth? If you’re an avid black tea drinker and have found your teeth beginning to stain, we do recommend reading the following for advice.
Is Black Tea Good For You?
To put it simply, black tea is good for you. It can boost your oral health, has antioxidant properties, with indications that black tea can also boost heart health, reduce blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels. Black tea also contains properties that reduce inflammation and prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Most of us Brits tend to drink tea to get us through the day or to finish off a stressful day. Black tea also offers calming and relaxing benefits. Not only does black tea help you unwind after a long day, but the amino acid (L-theanine) found in black tea can help you to relax, focus and concentrate better.
Of course, one very relevant benefit is that black tea can also boost your immune system with its alkylamine antigens. This means that black tea drinks have a better defence in fighting off common viruses around us.
As black tea contains fluoride, it is able to partially combat bacteria linked with tooth decay and gum disease and can help fight off the build-up of plaque.
Negative Impacts of Black Tea
While it’s recommended that black tea be consumed without milk or sugar, this doesn’t necessarily mean that pure black tea doesn’t have some negative impacts on your health. In fact, having milk with your black tea can slightly reduce the discolouration of your teeth when drinking black tea.
Not all teas can stain your teeth, but with that being said, black tea is known to stain teeth more than other types of tea, with its rich stain-promoting tannins. When black tea comes into contact with the teeth, it tends to stick to the surface and can even cause more tooth discolouration than black coffee.
Our Advice for Black Tea Teeth Staining
Noticing your teeth beginning to discolour from drinking black tea? Staining from black tea can be more common than you might think.
Our best advice to limit staining caused by drinking black tea would be to try and drink in moderation, as well as switching from black tea to green tea from time to time.
When convenient, you can rinse your mouth with water after drinking black tea, otherwise, chewing sugar-free gum can help to stimulate saliva which helps to fight cavities and removes excess particles after eating and drinking. Brushing with an electric toothbrush can also help rid the mouth of excess black tea that would otherwise stick to the surfaces of the teeth.
Teeth whitening is an affordable option which is simple and effective in reversing dental discolouration and can restore the shade of your teeth for a more natural and whiter smile. If you aren’t keen on teeth whitening, then you can have your teeth deep cleaned (dental polishing) during your dental hygiene appointment.
Take Care of Your Oral Health
Make your oral health a priority with our professional dentists in London. Our teeth whitening treatment can restore your teeth for a whiter, brighter smile.
Our Dentist in Victoria London will find you an appointment whether you’re a new or returning customer. If you require an emergency dentist in Victoria, contact us on 020 7233 7660.
Our dentists will see all emergency patients on the same day whenever possible, and you will be offered the next available appointment as soon as you call.
FAQs
Not all teas can stain your teeth, but with that being said, black tea is known to stain teeth more than other types of tea, with its rich stain-promoting tannins. When black tea comes into contact with the teeth, it tends to stick to the surface and can even cause more tooth discolouration than black coffee.
Is black tea good or bad for teeth? ›
Studies show tea may help prevent cavities by reducing the bacteria and decay-causing acid produced in your mouth. Both green and black tea also contain fluoride that can help ward off tooth decay. Using fluoridated tap water in your tea can add to the fluoride you're getting with each sip.
What is the healthiest tea for teeth? ›
Green Tea. Green tea contains powerful compounds known as polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Tea — especially loose-leaf green tea — also contains a small amount of fluoride, which has long been known for its tooth-strengthening properties.
Should I brush my teeth after drinking black tea? ›
While black tea may have staining potential, it also offers certain benefits, such as stimulating saliva production. It is recommended to wait for some time after consuming black tea before brushing your teeth and to rinse your mouth with water to minimize staining and strike a balance.
Can black tea irritate your mouth? ›
In addition, certain types of tea may have a more significant drying effect on the mouth than others. For example, black tea and green tea are known to have higher levels of tannins than white or herbal tea. Due to this, you may experience more dryness in the mouth when drinking these types of tea.
Does black tea erode enamel? ›
The slight acidity found in tea can, over time, contribute to the erosion of your tooth enamel. This erosion process can make your teeth more vulnerable to decay and increase sensitivity, detracting from the overall health and resilience of your smile.
What is worse for your teeth, coffee or tea? ›
Tea. Like wine, the ordinary black tea most people drink is rich in stain-promoting tannins. Dentists say it's a bigger stainer than coffee, which is chromogen-rich but low in tannins. Herbal, green, and white teas are less likely to stain than black tea.
What is the most unhealthy drink for your teeth? ›
Drinks That are Awful for Your Teeth
- Soda. Soda is not only bad for your health and waistline, but it's also filled with sugar and acids that rot away at your teeth. ...
- Energy Drinks. The most popular drinks that are awful for your teeth fall into the category of energy and sports drinks. ...
- Coffee. ...
- Wine. ...
- co*cktails. ...
- Fruit Juice.
Milk has a reputation of being great for bone strength, but it also has the same effect on teeth. The Vitamin D and calcium in milk are especially good for teeth because they help to form a barrier that prevents tooth decay.
What is the best tea for healing gums? ›
Green tea has been suggested to promote periodontal health by reducing inflammation, preventing the resorption of bones and restricting the growth of certain periodontal-related bacteria. Green tea has antioxidant, carcinogenic, antimicrobial and non-inflammatory properties.
Most published reports show 1 to 5 milligrams of fluoride per liter of black tea, but a new study shows that number could be as high as 9 milligrams. Fluoride is known to help prevent dental cavities, but long-term ingestion of excessive amounts could cause bone problems.
Why does black tea stain teeth? ›
5. Teas. Many black, green, and herbal teas contain tannins, which naturally stain teeth and gums. Green tea leaves a dull gray stain on teeth, while black tea leaves yellowish stains, but even such herbal teas as chamomile and hibiscus may cause staining and discoloration if regularly consumed over time.
How do you drink black tea without staining your teeth? ›
Best Tea to Prevent Teeth Stains
If you are an avid black tea drinker, try making a light brew to lessen the staining potential or add your favorite type of milk to make the tea lighter. You can also try drinking white tea or lighter green teas which cause little to no staining at all.
What are the side effects of black tea? ›
Black Tea Risks
- Anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
- Faster breathing.
- Headache.
- Increased urination.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Nervousness and restlessness.
- Ringing in the ears.
Not all teas can stain your teeth, but with that being said, black tea is known to stain teeth more than other types of tea, with its rich stain-promoting tannins. When black tea comes into contact with the teeth, it tends to stick to the surface and can even cause more tooth discolouration than black coffee.
Does black tea raise blood pressure? ›
High blood pressure: The caffeine in black tea might increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. But this doesn't seem to occur in people who drink black tea or other caffeinated products regularly.
Should I stop drinking tea for my teeth? ›
Many people wonder 'Does tea stain your teeth? ' and, unfortunately, the answer is yes. In fact, tea might be even more likely to stain your teeth than coffee due to its higher tannin content. If you don't want to give up drinking tea, it is important to look after your teeth to keep teeth staining to a minimum.
Can I rinse my mouth with black tea? ›
This suggested that black tea is more effective in inhibiting plaque growth (p < 0.05) [6]. The benefits of this research are where by rinsing tea can be a cheap alternative mouthwash, user friendly and free from any chemical compounds which can be used to prevent dental caries.
What tea kills bacteria in the mouth? ›
With its antibacterial properties, green tea kills microbes that make our mouths stinky! In a University of British Columbia study, researchers measured the level of smelly compounds in people's mouths after they were given green tea powder or other bad-breath reducing substances.
