How Does Tea Affect Our Teeth?

How Does Tea Affect Our Teeth?

There have been many myths around drinking tea and its positive and negative effects on teeth over the years. Does tea cause discoloration of the enamel? Or maybe it is just the opposite and supports the whitening process? What kind of tea can we drink without fear and which is better to avoid? We answer these questions below J

Tea and its properties

Tea has a number of health-promoting properties such as aroma therapy which supports our overall well being.  Additionally tea maintains an appropriate body weight, affects the condition of our skin, hair and nails, regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood, reduces the risk of ischemic heart disease and increases concentration. It also has a significant impact on our teeth - some teas are highly recommended, others should be avoided.

What kind of tea has a positive effect on our teeth?

The undisputed winner among teas is white tea. Scientists in numerous studies indicate that it is a healthy alternative to other types of tea. Why? Due to the fact that it is the least processed (only subjected to the drying process), it contains the most nutrients. We also have good information regarding the influence of white tea on dental health. This tea contains a lot of natural fluoride, which makes teeth stronger and helps to maintain oral hygiene and fight bacteria. This tea also contains the least theine (caffeine) of all teas and reduces the build-up of tartar and prevents the demineralization of plaque, commonly known as tooth decay. In addition, white tea naturally enhances the teeth whitening process.

It is also worth including green tea in your diet, because it has a number of health-promoting effects. The alkaline effect and the fluoride content positively react with teeth and the oral cavity. In terms of alkalinity, green tea alters the oral pH and thus reduces the growth of bacteria. Drinking 2-3 cups of green tea provides our body with the necessary dose of fluoride, which has a direct impact on the condition of our enamel. In addition, green tea increases the mineral density of bone tissue and teeth, and also treats and alleviates the symptoms of periodontitis.

What tea negatively affects our teeth?

Our teeth, on the other hand, do not like dark teas and fruit teas. It is worth adopting the rule that the darker the tea, the more harmful it is to our teeth. Hence, the first shot is black tea, which, due to the high content of theine, has a strong stain effect on teeth. The same is the case with red tea. It is also not without fault that green tea is indicated above - as having a positive effect on teeth -. In this case, moderation should be observed. Although green tea has definitely more advantages than disadvantages, it is worth taking care not to overdo it with its amount. In excess, it can lead to the formation of a deposit similar to that which is caused by cigarette smoke.

It is also worth taking a closer look at fruit teas. Especially those arising from dried fruit are harmful. Scientists have found that drinking two servings of a fruit drink can increase the risk of enamel erosion up to 11 times. The most harmful are teas made of fruits that tend to color (raspberries, blueberries, currants). Our teeth also do not help the slow consumption of teas that contain acids naturally derived from the fruit, which contribute to the damage to our enamel.

So, for all tea lovers- you can enjoy a cup of tea and be worry free!