Does drinking Tieguanyin tea cause teeth to yellow? In daily life, we can observe that if the Anxi Tieguanyin tea left in a cup is not washed promptly, a thin layer of yellowish residue forms on the cup's surface, which is difficult to remove without vigorous scrubbing. Generally, substances in tea such as tannins, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and fluorides can stain tea utensils yellow-brown. Long-term tea brewing leads to 'tea stain' buildup in teapots and cups. Therefore, the teeth of individuals who frequently drink strong tea without brushing or rinsing may experience some staining, but it usually has no significant impact. This is because the continuous secretion of saliva in the human mouth helps dissolve and remove stains from teeth. Combined with eating, consuming fruits, brushing morning and night, and rinsing after meals, tea pigments do not remain on teeth and thus do not affect their whiteness. However, if one has habits like drinking strong tea, smoking, and neglecting brushing and rinsing, or is exposed to high fluoride levels in drinking water, or frequently takes tetracycline antibiotics, these combined factors can cause teeth to yellow or discolor.

Furthermore, many teas, including Anxi Tieguanyin, contain tea polyphenols, which are antioxidant plant compounds that prevent dental plaque from adhering to teeth, thereby reducing the risk of oral and dental diseases. Dr. Christine Wu, Assistant Dean at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, notes that because tea can inhibit bacterial growth, it may also help alleviate bad breath. Research led by Dr. Christine Wu found that many teas contain fluoride derived from tea leaves and the water used for brewing, which can protect tooth enamel from erosion.

Therefore, it is generally advisable to drink tea in moderation, avoid smoking, maintain oral hygiene, and adhere to regular brushing habits. This way, even with frequent consumption of Tieguanyin, one can keep their teeth white.