Many tea lovers enjoy having several cups a day to truly satisfy their craving. However, drinking too much tea can not only cause excitement and insomnia, but it can also turn teeth yellow or leave behind stubborn tea stains and plaque. Therefore, it’s best to consume it in moderation. In addition, here are a few methods that can help reduce the issue of yellowing teeth and tea stains caused by drinking tea:
Brew it lighter: Avoid steeping your tea for too long or making it too strong—generally, under 3 minutes is ideal. Tea that is too strong tends to produce more residue and cause teeth to yellow more easily. Therefore, not only should you drink tea in moderation, but you should also try to brew it lighter. When choosing tea leaves, you can also opt for lighter varieties like green tea or oolong tea to minimize the problem of tea stains on your teeth.
Baking soda: Baking soda can also help remove tea stains and residue. Head to a supermarket or specialty food store to buy “food-grade” baking soda. Wet your toothbrush and use baking soda in place of toothpaste to brush, which helps scrub away tea stains and discoloration.
▲ Baking soda can also be used to clean tea stains on teaware. Food-grade baking soda is a great helper for clearing away dental plaque and tea stains on teeth.
Whitening products: There are many teeth-whitening products on the market, and you can purchase whitening toothpaste from well-known brands. For example, Darlie whitening toothpaste not only helps restore the whiteness of yellowed teeth, but also prevents food pigments from adhering to them. It is helpful for preventing tea stains, coffee discoloration, and is well-suited for tea and coffee lovers.
Dental air polishing: If the situation is more severe, you can seek help from a dentist. Air polishing is a common and highly effective method for removing tea stains and discoloration from teeth, though the cost may range from NT$1,000 to NT$3,000. Please note that a standard dental cleaning is meant for tartar removal and cannot clean tea stains; when visiting the dental clinic, make sure to clearly state that you want air polishing to remove tea stains.