If you’re a tea lover, you’ve probably heard that tea can be bad for your teeth. But don’t let those warnings stop you from enjoying your favorite cup of tea!
While certain types of teas can stain your teeth, there are others that provide numerous benefits to your oral health.
Let’s explore what makes some teas harmful and what is in certain teas that make them beneficial for teeth and oral hygiene.
What Makes Tea Harmful To Teeth?
Unfortunately, some of the most popular kinds of tea can contribute to staining teeth a yellow or brown color. This includes types like black, green, and oolong tea because they contain tannins which are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that give the tea its flavor.
Tannins also have an astringent quality which means they will react with proteins in our saliva causing them to stick to our tooth enamel and discolor it over time.
What Makes Tea Beneficial To Teeth?
Not all teas are bad for your teeth! Certain kinds of herbal teas actually contain ingredients that help fight bacteria in the mouth while other types contain polyphenols which help reduce inflammation in the gums.
Some herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint have been known to reduce bad breath by killing off odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Other herbal teas like licorice root may even help strengthen tooth enamel due to its high concentration of calcium and magnesium.
Finally, some herbal teas offer astringent properties without contributing to tooth discoloration meaning they still give you that signature “tea taste” without any negative side effects on your smile!
Final Thoughts
Though it is important to be mindful of how much dark-colored tea you drink so as not to damage your tooth enamel, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all the joys of sipping on a warm cup of liquid goodness every day!
There are lots of options out there when it comes to choosing healthy teas for your oral hygiene routine - just do a bit of research into which ones offer the greatest dental benefits before stocking up on supplies at your local grocery store or cafe!
So go ahead - elevate your daily cup-of-tea experience by selecting one that is good for both body and soul!
