Does Matcha Stain Teeth? The Truth About Matcha and Teeth Stains
Category: Adult Dentistry, Common Questions, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Advocate's Insight, Oral Health
By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: March 23, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Tips for Minimizing Teeth Stains from Matcha
- Drink matcha with a straw: Using a straw can help minimize contact between the matcha and your teeth, reducing the risk of staining.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking matcha: Swishing water around your mouth can help wash away any residue and minimize staining.
- Brush your teeth after drinking matcha: Brushing your teeth after drinking matcha can help remove any residue and prevent staining.
- 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.
- Use matcha in cooking and baking: Matcha can be used in various recipes, from pancakes to muffins to smoothies.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- “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.
- “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.
- “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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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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.
The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!
- Nunes A. Characterization of kafirin and zein oligomers by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. J Agric Food Chem. 2005
- Millhouse, E. Development of an in vitroperiodontal biofilm model for assessing antimicrobial and host modulatory effects of bioactive molecules. BMC Oral Health 14, 80 (2014).