Does Matcha Stain Teeth? The Truth About Matcha and Teeth Stains

, , , ,
Dr. Matthew Hannan | My Dental Advocate
Author: Matt Hannan, DDS
Updated: August 26, 2023
Does Matcha Stain Teeth? | My Dental Advocate

Matcha is a trendy superfood that’s become a staple in many people’s diets. But for some, the thought of drinking matcha may be met with concern about teeth staining.

In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about matcha and teeth stains and provide tips for maintaining a healthy smile from a dentist’s perspective.

 Recommended Reading: Teeth Staining | The Ultimate Guide

Does Matcha Stain Teeth?

Matcha contains chromogens, pigmented compounds that can cause teeth staining. However, research suggests that matcha may be less likely to cause staining than other drinks like coffee and red wine.

A study published in the Journal of Dental Sciences found that matcha caused less staining of hydroxyapatite ceramic than black tea, suggesting that matcha may be less likely to cause teeth staining than other types of tea.

While it’s still possible for matcha to cause teeth staining, some studies suggest that the antioxidants in matcha may help prevent teeth stains by reducing inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth. However, more research is needed to thoroughly understand the antioxidants’ effects on teeth staining.

That being said, it is still possible for matcha to cause teeth staining, especially if it is consumed frequently or in large quantities. If you are concerned about matcha staining your teeth, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of staining.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea made by grinding high-quality tea leaves into a fine powder. Unlike traditional green tea, which is steeped in water and discarded, matcha is consumed entirely. Matcha is known for its bright green color and slightly bitter taste.

Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
$19.99 ($0.20 / Count)

Certified USDA Organic Matcha Powder | 100% Pure Matcha From Japan

No need to go to the cafe; now you can enjoy your favorite matcha lattes and plant-powered matcha smoothies from the comfort of your home. Simply add a scoop of our colorful, culinary-grade Japanese matcha powder to your favorite recipes. FGO sells certified organic, culinary-grade, shade-grown matcha powder sourced from family tea farms in Japan.

Premium Quality

Imported from Japan ✓

Premium, culinary-grade, shade-grown matcha green tea powder ✓

Certified USDA Organic* ✓

Non-GMO** ✓

GMP Manufacturing ✓

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/25/2023 09:55 am GMT

Health Benefits of Matcha

  • Rich in antioxidants: Matcha contains high levels of catechins, a type of antioxidant that has been shown to have several potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals that can cause cellular damage.
  • Boosts metabolism: Matcha contains a compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been shown to increase metabolism and promote fat burning.
  • May improve brain function: Matcha contains caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which can work together to improve cognitive performance and increase alertness.
  • May lower the risk of chronic diseases: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in matcha may help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
  • May promote relaxation and reduce stress: The L-theanine in matcha has been shown to promote peace and reduce stress without causing drowsiness.
  • May support healthy teeth and gums: While matcha may cause teeth staining, some studies suggest that the antioxidants help prevent tooth decay and reduce inflammation in the gums.

Matcha is a nutrient-rich drink that may offer several potential health benefits. However, it’s important to remember that matcha, like any food or drink, should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Dentist Recommendation: I recommend consuming matcha in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to tooth erosion and damage to your tooth enamel, which can make your teeth more susceptible to staining.[

What Causes Teeth Stains?

Various factors, including poor oral hygiene, aging, genetics, and certain foods and drinks, can cause teeth stains.

However, when it comes to teeth staining from food and beverages, the main culprit is chromogens, compounds that give certain foods and drink their color. Chromogens are highly pigmented and can easily stick to the enamel on teeth.

Acidic drinks like coffee, tea, and soda can also contribute to teeth staining, eroding the enamel and making it more susceptible to staining. Additionally, drinks high in tannins, such as red wine, can cause teeth staining.


Recommended Reading: How Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Remarkably Reverses Cavities and Whiten Teeth

Tips for Minimizing Teeth Stains from Matcha

  1. Drink matcha with a straw: Using a straw can help minimize contact between the matcha and your teeth, reducing the risk of staining.
  2. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking matcha: Swishing water around your mouth can help wash away any residue and minimize staining.
  3. Brush your teeth after drinking matcha: Brushing your teeth after drinking matcha can help remove any residue and prevent staining.
  4. Eat foods that promote good oral health: Eating foods high in calcium, such as cheese and yogurt, can help strengthen teeth and prevent staining.

Other Ways to Enjoy Matcha without Worrying About Teeth Stains

If you’re still concerned about matcha staining your teeth, other ways exist to enjoy matcha without compromising your smile.

  1. Use matcha in cooking and baking: Matcha can be used in various recipes, from pancakes to muffins to smoothies.
  2. Drink other types of tea that have similar health benefits to matcha: Green tea and white tea are both high in antioxidants and have similar health benefits to matcha.
  3. Combine matcha with other ingredients that promote good oral health: Adding ingredients like coconut oil, which has antimicrobial properties, or xylitol, which can help prevent tooth decay, can help minimize the risk of teeth staining.
Recommended Reading: Does Fluoride Really Cause Tooth Staining?

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Matcha

While matcha is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of:

  1. Caffeine content: Matcha contains caffeine, which can cause jitters, insomnia, and other side effects in some people. It is important to be mindful of your caffeine intake and to avoid consuming matcha later in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine.
  2. Lead contamination: Some matcha products have been found to contain high levels of lead, a toxic metal that can cause health problems. Choosing high-quality matcha from reputable sources is essential to minimize the risk of lead contamination.
  3. Interactions with medications: Matcha may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and some chemotherapy drugs. If you take any medications, speaking with your healthcare provider before consuming matcha is essential.

Latest Research

  1. Effect of Japanese green tea on color changes of hydroxyapatite ceramic after immersion in black tea.” This study, published in the Journal of Dental Sciences, found that matcha caused less staining of hydroxyapatite ceramic than black tea.
  2. Effect of green tea on volatile sulfur compounds in mouth air.” This study, published in the Journal of Breath Research, found that green tea reduced levels of volatile sulfur compounds in mouth air, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health issues.
  3. The effect of green tea on oral malodor: a systematic review.” This systematic review, published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, found that green tea may help reduce oral malodor, which can be caused by bacterial growth in the mouth.
  4. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the catechins in green tea (including matcha) may help prevent plaque formation and dental caries (cavities). The study also found that green tea may have a bactericidal effect against Streptococcus mutans, contributing to dental caries.
  5. A review article published in the Journal of Oral Biosciences found that green tea may have anti-inflammatory effects in the oral cavity, which could help prevent or reduce the severity of gum disease. The review article also noted that green tea might have antibacterial effects against oral pathogens.
  6. According to the American Dental Association, enamel erosion (which can lead to teeth staining) is a common dental problem caused by acidic foods and drinks. While matcha is slightly acidic, it is less acidic than many other drinks, including orange juice and sports drinks.
  7. A study published in the journal BMC Oral Health found that a mouthwash containing green tea extract significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) compared to a placebo mouthwash. The study suggests that green tea extract may be a useful adjunct to oral hygiene practices for preventing or managing oral health problems.
Recommended Reading: Brewing Up the Truth: Does Coffee Really Stain Your Teeth?

While matcha may cause teeth staining, research suggests it also offers some benefits for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Overall, these studies suggest that green tea (including matcha) may offer several potential benefits for oral health, including reducing the risk of plaque and dental caries, fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing inflammation in the gums, and potentially preventing teeth staining.

It’s important to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene practices (such as brushing and flossing regularly) is still essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Best Teeth Whitening Products

Best Overall
Award-Winning Teeth Whitening Kit by SNOW | Results Guaranteed

SNOW's bestselling teeth whitening kit combines our advanced whitening serum with LED light technology for professional-level results. Whiten your teeth in as little as 9 minutes a day.

  • 75 treatments per kit
  • Safe for sensitive teeth
  • Vegan & cruelty-free
  • Made in the USA

Developed by Dentists

Formulated with expert cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brian Harris. Our teeth whitening kit protects your pearly whites while effectively removing tough surface stains. Recommend by 9 out of 10 dentists (DentalAdvisor).

✓ Designed for sensitive teeth

✓ Formulated to be gentle on enamel

✓ Virtually zero sensitivity

✓ Professional-level results (minus the hefty price tag!)

✓ Vegan and cruelty-free

Farewell, Coffee and Wine Stains

Deep stains don’t stand a chance. Our advanced proprietary whitening gel formula erases stains, fast. We use the same active ingredients as dentists. Our teeth whitening products are powered by hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These powerful whitening agents combined with LED light provide the ultimate whitening solution.

Buy Now Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Whitening Toothbrush
The LED Electric Teeth Whitening Toothbrush by SNOW

Meet the 2022 NEW BEAUTY® Award Winner! Our brand new LED electric toothbrush doesn't only clean, it also whitens! Equipped with blue LED light for whitening support and sonic technology for better cleaning, this toothbrush leaves your smile whiter and brighter. And, with 4 unique modes, your new toothbrush customizes each brushing session to exactly what you need: Clean, Whiten, Polish, and Sensitive. 

FEATURES

-Advanced sonic technology for better cleaning

-Our signature blue LED trusted by millions for whitening support while brushing

-2-minute timer with 30-second intervals for easy, better brushing

-Pairs well with our whitening toothpaste to add to your brushing in seconds

-4 unique brushing modes for all your smile's needs and compatible with the SNOW® Face Brush attachment to wash your face with the same device

-Long-lasting battery life with charging base

-Includes (2) LED brush heads ($22 value)

Buy Now Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Whitening Trays
BURST Teeth Whitening Trays | 30% Off Code (UF4JEC)

Fast acting: Our custom-fit feel trays visibly brighten smiles in 15 minutes a day, with dramatic results after just 1 week.

Advanced at-home whitening: Created by hygienists and dentists and formulated with 12.5% hydrogen peroxide for professional-grade whitening.

Ready to use: All 7 treatments come prefilled and ready to work their magic. No more whitening guesswork!

Enamel safe: Clean, vegan, ingredients that are gentle on enamel but tough on stains.

Clinically backed: Whitens up to 6 shades in just 7 days.*

Buy Now Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

loader-image

Several ways to whiten your smile include professional teeth whitening treatments, over-the-counter whitening products, and home remedies like oil pulling and baking soda. However, it's important to be cautious with DIY whitening methods and talk to your dentist before trying new treatments.

If you have badly stained teeth, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening treatments. However, several at-home whitening options are also available, such as over-the-counter whitening products and home remedies like oil pulling and baking soda. Keep in mind that at-home whitening methods may not be as effective as professional treatments and may also carry some risks.

The best tooth stain remover will depend on the type and severity of your tooth stains and your personal preferences and budget. Professional teeth whitening treatments are generally considered the most effective, but over-the-counter whitening products and home remedies may also be effective for mild to moderate stains. It's important to talk to your dentist before trying new whitening products or methods to ensure they are safe and effective for your teeth.

My Experience & Expertise

As a dentist, I am often asked about the effects of different foods and drinks on oral health, including the potential for teeth staining. Research suggests that matcha may be less likely to cause teeth staining than other drinks like coffee and red wine. In fact, some studies suggest that the antioxidants in matcha may help prevent tooth stains by reducing inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth.

That being said, it is still possible for matcha to cause teeth staining, especially if it is consumed frequently or in large quantities. If you are concerned about matcha staining your teeth, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of staining, such as drinking matcha with a straw, rinsing your mouth with water after drinking matcha, and brushing your teeth after drinking matcha.

Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!

Sources