Does Tea Stain Your Teeth?

In this article, we’ll explain why tea stains your teeth, which types of tea are most likely to cause discoloration, and how you can prevent and remove those stubborn stains.

Why Tea Stains Teeth (The Science)

Tea is packed with compounds called tannins – plant-based molecules that give tea its flavor and astringency. Unfortunately, tannins also bind to the proteins in your tooth enamel, which makes them a prime culprit for staining (Colgate, 2023). Over time, these stains can build up and cause your teeth to look yellow or brown.

Research confirms the effect: one 2022 study found that tea, especially black tea, caused significant enamel discoloration compared to other beverages (Sarembe et al., 2022). Teeth are naturally porous, so pigments from tea can seep in and settle, making the stains more stubborn the longer you drink it.

The takeaway? It’s not just your imagination—tea really does stain your teeth, and the darker and stronger the brew, the more noticeable the effect.

Types of Tea and Their Staining Potential

Not all teas stain teeth equally. The kind of tea you drink makes a big difference in how noticeable the discoloration will be:

• Black tea: The strongest culprit for staining. Its high tannin content makes it more likely to cause dark yellow or brown stains (Sarembe et al., 2022).
• Green tea: Causes lighter stains, but they can appear more grayish than yellow (Kim et al., 2024).
• Herbal tea: Depends on the ingredients. Hibiscus and berry-based teas, for example, can leave red or purple stains on enamel.
• White tea: The least likely to stain, but still not completely risk-free. Even light teas contain tannins that can discolor teeth over time.

So, if you’ve ever wondered does tea stain your teeth more if it’s black or green?—the answer is clear: black tea is the worst offender, but all teas have at least some staining potential.

Does Tea Stain More Than Coffee?

Many people assume coffee is the worst drink for tooth discoloration, but research shows that tea can be just as bad—sometimes worse. Both beverages contain dark pigments and tannins that cling to enamel. However, tea typically has a higher tannin content than coffee, which means it can leave more noticeable surface stains (Kim et al., 2024).

That said, the type of stain is slightly different. Coffee tends to cause deeper, darker stains that can penetrate enamel, while tea often creates more widespread surface discoloration. In either case, frequent consumption without good oral care will make stains more visible.

So, if you’re wondering does tea stain your teeth more than coffee?—the answer is often yes, especially with black tea. But both can dull your smile if you don’t take preventive steps.

Related Reading: How to Get Rid of Coffee Stains on Teeth?

Factors That Increase Staining from Tea

While tea on its own can discolor enamel, certain factors make stains appear faster and more noticeable:

• How often you drink it: Multiple cups of tea a day add up, leaving more tannins behind.
• How you drink it: Sipping slowly or letting tea linger in your mouth gives stains more time to stick.
• Enamel thickness and natural tooth color: Thinner enamel or naturally yellower teeth will show stains more quickly.
• Oral hygiene habits: Skipping regular brushing and flossing allows pigments to build up into stubborn stains.
• Smoking or tobacco use: Nicotine combines with tannins to worsen discoloration dramatically.

In short, the more often tea comes in contact with your teeth—and the less you clean it away—the greater the chance you’ll notice yellow or brown discoloration.

How to Prevent Tea Stains on Teeth

The good news is you don’t have to give up your favorite tea to keep your smile bright. With a few smart habits, you can lower the risk of discoloration:

• Rinse with water after drinking tea: This helps wash away tannins before they settle on enamel.
• Use a straw for iced tea: A straw limits direct contact with your teeth.
• Add milk to your tea: Research shows milk proteins can bind to tannins, reducing their ability to stain enamel (Pehlivanoğlu et al., 2022).
• Wait before brushing: Acidic drinks like tea temporarily soften enamel. Waiting about 30 minutes before brushing prevents erosion while still keeping teeth clean.
• Choose lighter teas: Green, white, or herbal teas tend to cause less visible staining than black tea.
• Keep up with professional cleanings: Regular dental visits are the most effective way to remove surface stains and keep your teeth healthy.

By combining these habits, you can enjoy your daily cup while minimizing the chance of tea stains on your teeth.

How to Remove Tea Stains on Teeth

Even with the best habits, tea stains can still sneak up on your smile. The good news is they’re not permanent—and there are several ways to brighten your teeth again:

• Whitening toothpaste: These formulas use mild abrasives to polish away surface stains from tea. They’re a good first step for light discoloration.
• At-home whitening products: Strips or trays with peroxide can lighten deeper stains, though results vary.
• Professional dental cleaning: A hygienist can remove buildup and polish your enamel far more effectively than brushing at home.
• Professional whitening treatments: For stubborn or widespread stains, in-office whitening provides faster, longer-lasting results than over-the-counter options.
• Ongoing care: Once stains are removed, brushing twice daily, flossing, and chewing sugar-free gum can help keep your enamel looking brighter.

At Oxboro Family Dental, we offer both professional cleanings and whitening treatments to safely remove tea stains and restore your smile’s natural brightness.

FAQs About Tea Stains on Teeth

Does green tea stain teeth less than black tea?’

Yes. Green tea has fewer tannins than black tea, so it generally causes lighter stains. However, the discoloration can sometimes appear more gray than yellow.

Are tea stains permanent?

No. Most tea stains are surface stains that can be removed with whitening toothpaste, professional cleanings, or whitening treatments. Deeper stains may need more advanced dental care.

Will brushing right after drinking tea prevent stains?

It’s best to wait about 30 minutes. Tea is slightly acidic and can temporarily soften enamel, so brushing immediately may cause erosion. Rinsing with water right away is safer.

Does tea stain teeth more than coffee?

Often yes. Tea contains more tannins than coffee, which makes it more likely to leave surface stains, especially if you drink black tea regularly.

Can whitening toothpaste remove tea stains?

Whitening toothpaste can help with mild tea stains, but professional whitening is more effective for deeper or stubborn discoloration.

The Bottom Line on Tea and Teeth Stains

So, does tea stain your teeth? The answer is yes – especially darker teas like black tea, which are high in tannins. But that doesn’t mean you need to give up your daily cup. With good habits like rinsing after drinking, adding milk, and keeping up with regular dental cleanings, you can minimize stains and keep your smile bright. And if discoloration does appear, professional whitening treatments can restore your teeth to their natural shine.

Ready to Brighten Your Smile?

If tea stains have dulled your teeth, our team at Oxboro Family Dental can help. From thorough cleanings to professional whitening treatments, we’ll find the right solution for you. Schedule an appointment today, and enjoy your favorite tea without worrying about your smile.