Does Matcha Stain Teeth?
You might be a fan of matcha for its vibrant green color and flavorful taste. But, a question may have crossed your mind: does matcha stain teeth?
Great question! Especially when you consider deeply colored drinks like tea are known to stain teeth over time.
You’ll be happy to learn that matcha doesn’t stain your teeth. You’ll need to consume a lot of matcha for it to stain the tooth enamel. Interestingly, matcha benefits your teeth because it contains a high amount of catechin EGCG, which fights against bacteria growth and cavities.
So, let’s explore the topic to help you understand whether your matcha habit could affect your smile.
We’ll dive into the science behind matcha, its composition, and whether its properties can lead to staining your teeth. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the relationship between matcha and your dental health.
Brief Overview Of Matcha’s History
Like many teas, matcha is a green tea with a rich history and is still enjoyed across the globe today.
Match’a long history goes back to China during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD). Back then, they used to steam green tea to form bricks because it was easier to transport.
Later on, the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD) popularized tea culture. It started to flourish more when a Buddhist monk in China named Eisai returned to Japan with tea seeds to start replicating matcha powder.
In recent years, matcha is often found in lattes, smoothies, and other drinks.
How Is Matcha Made?
Matcha is made by carefully handpicking the leaves and then steaming them to enhance their flavor and preserve beneficial substances.
Afterward, it’s left to dry to make the grounding process easier. The dried leaves are stone ground into a fine powder that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
The traditional method is to whisk with hot water for frothiness, which can be enjoyed in blended drinks or baked goods. Due to the intensive process of making matcha powder, it is often more expensive than other teas.
Like regular green tea tastes, matcha has a more complex flavor profile with vegetal, grassy, and sweet notes. The subtle hint of bitterness and umami makes matcha distinct and delicious.
Matcha also contains numerous benefits because it contains more antioxidants and caffeine than regular teas. The high antioxidant content can help reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and reduce stress levels. Although it has higher caffeine levels than other teas, it won’t give you the jitters because it has L-theanine. It’s an amino acid that reduces stress and balances out the effect of caffeine.
Does Matcha Stain Teeth?
Now that you’ve learned about the history of matcha, let’s answer the common question, does matcha stain teeth?
No, matcha doesn’t stain your teeth. It contains a high amount of catechin EGCG, which fights against bacteria growth and cavities. Additionally, catechins lower the acidity level in your mouth and protect you from tooth decay.
The acidity content in matcha is much lower which is one of the main reasons why it won’t stain teeth. Acid can reduce the tooth enamel and make teeth much more prone to staining.
Matcha is a variation of green tea. Overall, green tea doesn’t stain your teeth but it may leave a slight discoloration due to its tannins.
If oral hygiene and white teeth are important, you won’t have to worry when drinking matcha tea. Unlike coffee or teas roasted until deep brown, rich in various elements that can cause staining on teeth surfaces, such as tannins and melanoidins.
Does Matcha Stain Braces?
if you’re fortunate enough to have braces (like when I was a teenager), you might wonder if matcha can stain your braces.
No, it’s unlikely that matcha will cause any significant staining on your braces. The primary components of braces, such as metal wires, ceramic brackets, or plastic aligners, are generally resistant to staining from beverages and foods.
If you’re worried about the small chance of matcha staining your braces, just remember to practice proper oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth regularly with a soft-bristle toothbrush and using a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste can help prevent any potential staining.
Does Matcha Stain Clothes?
Yes, matcha can stain clothes. Its bright green color can leave stains on your clothing if spilled. This is because matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves containing pigments that can adhere to fabric fibers.
To minimize the risk of staining, promptly treat any matcha spills on your clothes by blotting the excess liquid and applying a pre-treatment stain remover before washing. If a stain has already been set, try soaking the garment in water and color-safe oxygen bleach before laundering it as usual.
As with any clothing, read the washing instructions before treating the material.
For more information and a cleaning guide, check out this article: Does Matcha Stain Clothes? (Cleaning Guide).
Does Matcha Or Coffee Stain Teeth More?
If you’re a matcha or coffee fan, you may wonder which beverages are more likely to stain your teeth.
Drinking coffee does stain the teeth more than matcha because the tannins seep into your teeth’ pores. Matcha is less acidic than coffee. The acidity can wear down the enamel over time, making your tooth prone to staining.
Ultimately, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is important. Ask your dentist about sealants if you’re concerned about staining from drinking matcha or coffee.
8 Tips To Prevent Tooth Stains From Matcha
If you’re afraid that matcha will stain your teeth, then fear not. Here are 10 tips to prevent matcha or any other drinks from staining your teeth and maintaining a vibrant smile:
- Brush your teeth after drinking matcha. It helps remove the matcha particles from your teeth, preventing staining.
- Use a teeth-whitening toothpaste specifically designed to remove stains from your teeth and keep them looking bright.
- Floss daily to remove food and matcha particles from between your teeth, where a toothbrush might not reach.
- Rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash to wash away any remaining matcha residue after drinking it.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and whitening treatments to remove stubborn stains and maintain overall dental health.
- Opt for a straw when drinking matcha so the liquid does not come into direct contact with your teeth.
- Swap traditional matcha with a less pigmented tea, such as a lighter green tea or herbal tea tends to stain teeth less.
- Drink matcha in moderation to prevent excessive exposure to staining agents.
Following these tips, you can enjoy matcha while preserving your teeth’ natural beauty.
How Matcha Benefits Oral Health
As we debunked within this blog, matcha doesn’t stain their teeth. In fact, matcha can help maintain good oral hygiene and prevent staining your precious pearly whites.
Read below for the different health benefits matcha can provide for your teeth.
1. Protects Teeth From Erosion
Drinking matcha can protect the teeth from erosion and prevent teeth from decaying. Research shows that EGCG, a type of antioxidant in green tea, has antibacterial properties that can reduce the risk of bacteria growth, leading to cavities.
A double-blind trial showed that participants rinsed their mouths with green tea after meals for three days. They found that their plaque formation decreased from between 30-43%.
2. Creates Smoother and Stronger Teeth
Studies have shown that drinking green tea reduces demineralization and increases remineralization levels, which may mean smoother and stronger teeth.
The antioxidants in green tea are also effective against tooth decay. This is likely due to the catechins found in green teas, which are known to help protect against bacterial growth.
3. Reverse Tooth Decay
Matcha can also fight tooth decay and other oral pathogens.
Studies have demonstrated that regularly drinking green tea can help prevent cavities’ formation, reverse early stages of tooth decay, and inhibit bacteria responsible for certain diseases.
Green tea contains polyphenols capable of killing common oral pathogens. These compounds can also protect against acid erosion caused by sugary foods, which are known to cause cavities over time.
4. Stops The Growth Of Bacteria That Cause Cavities
Studies have found that drinking green tea not only supports dental health but can also help prevent cavities. This is due to its antibacterial properties, which help stop bacteria growth that causes cavities in the teeth.
It also contains tannic acid, which helps remove stains from teeth caused by beverages with a high content of chromogens. Drinking green tea can prevent further staining and bad breath.
5. Prevents Gum Disease and Inflammation
Matcha can also help prevent gum disease and inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
Studies have shown that green tea contains bioactive compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. This may lead to plaque forming, gum pain, and even periodontal disease.
Polyphenol also reduces inflammation resulting from bacteria colonizing the teeth and gums. Drinking a cup of matcha tea daily has proven effective in decreasing inflammation levels and preventing the growth of gum disease.
6. Cuts Down On Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in and around the teeth.
Matcha can reduce bad breath because it contains polyphenols which have antibacterial and antimicrobial abilities. Polyphenols can help fight bacteria growth around the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of bad breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does matcha turn your teeth yellow?
While matcha is certainly known for its vibrant green color, most people don’t experience yellowing of their teeth when drinking tea. Unlike coffee, matcha has antibacterial properties that can protect teeth from staining.
Can I drink a matcha latte after teeth whitening?
One of the most popular ways to drink matcha is in a latte, but can you drink it after your teeth whitening procedure? Fortunately, drinking a matcha latte will not stain your teeth after whitening. Matcha has a high antioxidant content that helps protect your teeth’ enamel. Unlike coffee and soda, which are acidic and discolored the enamel, matcha’s antioxidants have been shown to reduce tooth sensitivity. Its lower acidity than coffee can help fight against cavities and gum disease.
Does matcha stain clothes?
The green powder of matcha can stain clothes when spilled or splattered. Matcha is water-based and can leave a light green stain on fabrics such as clothing, carpets, or sofas. If you immediately wipe down or treat the stain, it won’t cause permanent discoloration. Use laundry detergent or dish soap and a toothbrush to scrub the stain out gently.
Does green tea stain teeth?
Yes, green tea can stain teeth over time. Like coffee and other beverages, green tea contains natural compounds called tannins that can build up on your teeth and lead to staining. Tannins are also responsible for the astringent taste you might experience when drinking green tea. However, staining caused by green tea is typically less intense than that caused by coffee or wine.
Final Thoughts On Matcha’s Effect on Teeth
Matcha contains beneficial antioxidants that protect the teeth from diseases, bad breath, and cavities. Additionally, there’s a lack of evidence to suggest that matcha can stain teeth.
Despite this, you should watch what you drink as some products, such as flavored bottled teas or coffee, may contain added dyes, which can cause staining. The best way to protect your teeth is to avoid drinks with added colors, like soft drinks and artificially sweetened drinks.
This is why matcha is a healthy option for tea lovers who want a caffeine kick. The next time you whisk up a bowl or warm matcha, you won’t need to worry about staining your nice white teeth.
