Does Yerba Mate Stain Teeth? Here’s The Tooth
Are you an avid yerba mate enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of this tea?
Either way, you may have heard whispers around the kettle about yerba mate’s effect on your teeth. The question “Does yerba mate stain teeth?” is a common one, especially among those of us who treasure a bright smile as much as our daily brew.
Yerba mate is celebrated for its unique flavor and caffeine kick, and it’s a great alternative to coffee. Just like some herbal teas, yerba mate is unlikely to stain teeth because it’s low in tannins and acid. These natural substances have a knack for staining the enamel and potentially leaving a stain.
However, overconsuming of yerba mate can leave some discoloration over time. If you’re looking to protect your teeth from any possibility of a stain then keep on reading!
In this blog, we’ll unravel the mysteries of yerba mate’s relationship with teeth staining. We’ll examine the various types of tooth discoloration, and share savvy sipping strategies to protect your smile.
From choosing teeth-friendly teas to maintenance tips that keep stains at bay, we’re here to ensure you can cherish your yerba mate without compromise.
What Is Yerba Mate?
Yerba mate is a naturally caffeinated drink that originated in the South American rainforest. It is made from the leaves of the holly tree, providing a rich and unique flavor.
Compared to coffee and tea, the caffeine is almost as strong as coffee. An eight-ounce serving of yerba mate contains about 80 mg of caffeine, while coffee contains 95 mg for the same serving size.
Yerba mate is traditionally consumed using a mate gourd and a metal straw. The gourd, often made from a hollowed-out fruit or wood, holds the brewed yerba mate, while the metal straw, called a bombilla, filters the drink as you sip.
This tradition is a major part of South American culture, bringing people together for social gatherings and relaxation.
Does Yerba Mate Stain Teeth?
When drinking yerba mate, you might wonder if it stains your teeth.
No, yerba mate is unlikely to stain teeth since it contains low tannins and acidity. However, several factors can lead to staining over time such as overconsumption, brewing method and water temperature.
Tannins adhere to the tooth enamel and eventually lead to gradual discoloration. Similar to many herbal teas, yerba mate is low in tannins which can cause staining. Fortunately, yerba mate contains just 7-14 percent tannins when brewed.
Acidity is measured using the pH scale which ranges from 0-14. The lower numbers are more acidic while higher numbers are more alkaline. Yerba mate has a pH level between 6.75 to 7.89, which is considered neutral or slightly alkaline.
Types of Teeth Stains
There are three types of stains that your teeth may go through. Some of which are in your control such as your lifestyle, daily habits and beverage intake. While others are related to age. Let’s explore the three types of teeth stains.
Extrinsic Staining
Extrinsic stains are often caused by chromogens in your diet or lifestyle choices. They affect the outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) and can usually be removed through regular dental cleanings and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Common causes:
- Darker Tea: High in tannins, black tea can cause significant surface stains.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing allows tannins to linger and discolor teeth.
- Frequent Consumption: Regular and frequent consumption of tea increases the chance of stains.
- Additives: Sugar, cream, or fruit flavors added to tea can contribute to the staining effect.
- Smoking: For those who also smoke, the effects can make staining much worse.
Intrinsic Staining
Intrinsic stains occur within the inner structure of your teeth (the dentin). These stains are often harder to remove as they form due to underlying issues.
Common causes:
- Fluorosis: Overexposure to fluoride during teeth development can cause deeper stains.
- Tetracycline Antibiotics: Use of these antibiotics during childhood can lead to intrinsic staining.
- Dental Trauma: Damage to the tooth can lead to internal staining and sometimes affect how teeth respond to external colorants like tea.
- Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions affect enamel formation and can cause intrinsic staining.
- Aging: Over time, the inner structure of the tooth naturally yellows, and this intrinsic color can be accentuated by the long-term consumption of tea.
Age-Related Staining
Age-related stains are a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. As you age, your enamel thins. This reveals the yellowish dentin underneath and makes your teeth more susceptible to discoloration from external factors.
Common factors:
- Enamel Erosion: Wear and tear over time thins the enamel, exposing the yellow dentin beneath.
- Dietary Habits: Lifelong consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages, including tea, accumulates.
- Medications: Long-term use of certain medications can cause changes in tooth color.
- Chronic Disease: Certain chronic illnesses can affect enamel and dentin, leading to age-related staining.
- Tobacco Use: Similar to extrinsic causes, tobacco use can lead to deeper stains as the enamel wears with age.
Dark teas like black tea are more likely to cause staining due to their higher tannin content. While herbal teas and lighter teas like white tea tend to have less staining potential. Yerba mate would also be categorized in the same variety as herbal teas.
Teas That Are Less Likely To Stain Teeth
Fortunately, not all teas will stain your teeth. There are different types of teas such as chamomile and peppermint which can also improve your oral health rather than harm it.
Here are several varieties of tea that are less likely to stain your teeth.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea known for its refreshing taste and low tannin content. Its lighter color makes peppermint tea less likely to stain your teeth compared to darker teas.
Additionally, peppermint tea may provide some oral health benefits, such as freshening your breath and potentially reducing plaque formation.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea, another herbal tisane, has a subtle and calming flavor. Its pale yellow color and low tannin content make chamomile tea less likely to stain your teeth.
Moreover, chamomile tea has some potential benefits for dental health, including its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe gum irritation.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a warming and invigorating herbal tea with a pale golden color. Its low tannin content helps to minimize teeth staining.
In addition, ginger tea may contribute to improved dental health, thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all tea types and contains a lower concentration of tannins than black or green tea, reducing its potential to stain your teeth.
Its delicate flavor and numerous health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, make white tea an excellent choice for tea drinkers concerned about dental aesthetics.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea, originating from South Africa, is a red herbal tea with a naturally sweet taste. With a minimal tannin content, rooibos tea is less likely to stain your teeth.
Furthermore, its high levels of antioxidants and potential antimicrobial properties may contribute to overall dental health.
Green Tea
Green tea has a lower tannin content than black tea, making it less likely to cause staining. It has a moderate pH level of between 7 to 10, which makes green tea slightly acidic.
It’s known for its light, grassy flavor, and numerous health benefits, including its rich antioxidant content.
Drinking green tea may even improve dental health due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Here’s a table comparing the pH level of all the teas mentioned. As you’ll see, many of them are hovering between slightly acidic to alkaline.
| Tea | pH Level |
|---|---|
| Peppermint Tea | 6 – 7 |
| Chamomile Tea | 6 – 7 |
| Ginger Tea | 7 – 7.5 |
| White Tea | 6.9 – 9.7 |
| Rooibos Tea | 6 – 7 |
| Green Tea | 7 – 10 |
How to Prevent Tea from Staining Your Teeth
Preventing yerba mate from staining your teeth can be managed with a few proactive practices. Here are several tips to keep your smile bright while still enjoying your favorite brew:
Rinse Teeth After Drinking Tea
To minimize the risk of stains, rinse your mouth with water after enjoying your yerba mate. This helps to promptly remove any residue that could potentially sit on your teeth and cause discoloration.
Add A Splash of Milk To Your Tea
Milk contains casein which is a protein that binds to the tannins found in yerba mate. Once casein is bound, it’ll prevent stains from adhering to the tooth enamel. Only cow’s milk contains casein so that’s the better option than dairy alternatives such as coconut, soy, and almond milk.
Reduce Your Tea Intake
While you may love yerba mate, try limiting your consumption to prevent excessive staining. Yerba mate will only cause stains if you’re overconsuming this beverage. So, one yerba mate a day should be perfectly fine and won’t stain your teeth.
Follow Proper Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key. Do as your dentist recommends by brushing and flossing daily to remove any residue and keep your teeth clean. Following a proper dental hygiene routine will minimize the chances of staining from yerba mate.
Pair Tea With Alkaline Foods
Consuming alkaline foods with a neutral pH, such as apples and cheese, can help counteract the acidity of yerba mate. These foods may aid in protecting your teeth from discoloration.
| Food | Approximate pH Level |
| Cucumber | 6.5 – 7 |
| Broccoli | 6.5 – 7.2 |
| Avocado | 6.3 – 6.6 |
| Celery | 6.5 – 7 |
| Bananas | 5.6 – 6.5 (when ripe) |
| Carrots | 5.8 – 6.4 |
| Spinach | 6.5 – 7 |
| Sweet Potato | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Almonds | 6 – 8 |
| Cauliflower | 5.6 – 6.7 |
While these foods have alkaline properties, your body’s overall pH balance will balance itself. Your body will maintain its acidity level and won’t significantly be altered by diet alone.
Get Teeth Whitening
If staining occurs, teeth whitening treatments, either at home or professionally, can help remove yerba mate stains and restore your teeth to their natural color.
You can try home solutions such as teeth-whitening toothpaste or whitening strips. Alternatively, you can invest in professional teeth whitening for longer-lasting results.
Drink Yerba Mate Through a Straw
It’s very common to drink yerba mate with a metal gourd and straw. Drinking yerba mate—or any teeth-staining beverage—through a straw can help prevent stains.
Drinking yerba mate with a straw can prevent the tea from coming into direct contact with your teeth. Since the yerba mate will barely come in contact with your teeth, it’ll reduce the likelihood of stains forming on the enamel.
Teeth Whitening Tips for Removing Stains
Home Teeth Whitening Solutions
There are various teeth whitening methods available to remove yerba mate stains from your teeth.
You can use teeth whitening strips or a teeth whitening kit at home. These are easily available in drugstores and online. Another popular home remedy is using baking soda.
To use it, mix a pinch of baking soda with water to form a paste, and then gently brush your teeth with the paste.
Professional Teeth Whitening
If you aren’t satisfied with the results from home remedies, you can seek professional teeth whitening. It’s much more expensive than a home solution but you get a much more robust cleansing service.
Dentists use advanced techniques for more effective and longer-lasting results. Professional teeth whitening often provides better results than home remedies, but it can be expensive.
Comparing Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of home solutions vs professional solutions for teeth whitening:
| Solution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Home Solutions | – Less expensive – Can whiten at home – Repeat treatments anytime – Convenient scheduling | – Slower results – Less dramatic whitening – Not customised – Risk of sensitivity |
| Professional Solutions | – Dramatic and fast results – Customised treatment – Monitored by dentist – Achieves several shades of whitening | – Higher initial cost – Treatments only during office hours – Results only last 6-24 months – Expensive for multiple treatments |
Home solutions are more affordable and convenient but have slower results. While professional solutions are more expensive initially but provide customized treatment under a dentist’s supervision and better results. The tradeoff is cost versus effectiveness of treatment.
Final Thoughts
Yerba mate enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief. This beloved tea is less likely to stain teeth compared to other popular drinks, thanks to its low tannin and acidity levels.
While no drink is entirely stain-proof, yerba mate is a more enamel-friendly choice. However, moderation is key, and good oral hygiene remains essential for keeping your teeth bright.
So, go ahead and enjoy your yerba mate with the comfort of knowing that it’s a smile-friendly brew. Keep sipping your way to vitality, while maintaining a white smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does yerba mate contain tannins?
Yes, yerba mate contains tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants. Tannins are responsible for the astringency in certain foods and beverages, including tea and wine. They can also contribute to the staining of teeth and other surfaces.
Does yerba mate affect teeth?
Yerba mate may impact your teeth due to the presence of tannins. However, the staining potential depends on factors such as the concentration of tannins, the length of exposure, and individual variations in tooth enamel. Regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing can help minimize the staining effects of yerba mate.
Why doesn’t yerba mate stain teeth?
While yerba mate contains tannins that can contribute to staining, the degree of staining may be less compared to other beverages like coffee or black tea. This could be due to differences in the types or concentrations of tannins in yerba mate compared to these beverages. Additionally, your oral hygiene habits and individual factors also play a role in determining staining potential.
What are alternatives to yerba mate for caffeine without teeth staining?
Some alternatives to yerba mate for caffeine without teeth staining include green tea, white tea, and herbal infusions. These options typically have lower tannin content, reducing their potential to stain teeth. You could also consider caffeine supplements or caffeine-infused energy snacks and beverages.
Is it OK to drink yerba mate every day?
Moderate yerba mate consumption is usually considered safe for healthy individuals. However, it’s important to pay attention to your body and consider any existing medical conditions, as well as the potential for drug interactions. If you have concerns about yerba mate consumption, consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Does yerba mate stain clothes?
Yerba mate, like other beverages containing tannins, can cause stains on clothing if spilled. The stains might be hard to remove, especially on lighter-colored fabrics. It’s best to quickly clean any spills and treat the affected area with appropriate stain removal techniques to minimize staining.
