Having a set of white teeth is everyone's dream. As the saying goes, teeth are a person's second face; a beautiful set of teeth not only brings joy but also signifies good health. Recently, however, many friends have told me that drinking too much tea can turn teeth yellow or even black. Is this really true?

When we drink tea regularly, teacups can develop a thick layer of tea stain over time. This is because the tea polyphenols in tea leaves oxidize with metal elements in tea residue, producing brown tea stain, or tea scale. Therefore, many people naturally assume that since cups can get stained, daily tea drinking must also cause "tea scale" to form on teeth due to the oxidation of tea polyphenols into tea pigments, leading to yellow or black teeth.

But is this really the case? Let's explore from two perspectives, and you'll understand.

Fluoride in Tea Can Whiten and Strengthen Teeth

Tea contains a certain amount of fluoride, which is a trace element needed by our teeth. Fluoride is an important substance for whitening and strengthening teeth. When fluoride combines with hydroxyapatite in teeth, it can also resist acid and prevent tooth decay. This is why most toothpastes contain fluoride. Moreover, the tea polyphenols in tea can add a protective layer on the tooth surface, safeguarding the tooth enamel and preventing our teeth from "taking on color."

Tea Pigments Are Substances, Not Stains

As for tea pigments, they are generated from the oxidation of tea polyphenols. They are substances, not the pigments we commonly refer to. Think about it: if this logic held true, drinking any tea would produce corresponding colored "tea stains." Then, people who often drink black tea would have red teeth? Those who frequently drink dark tea would have black teeth? So, certainly not. I have been in the tea industry for many years and have never heard any tea expert or enthusiast say that drinking tea turns teeth yellow or black.

Therefore, for those worried about whether drinking tea will "stain teeth yellow," I want to say that there is still no authoritative evidence indicating that tea drinking causes teeth to turn black or yellow. On the contrary, because tea contains tea polyphenols and fluoride—substances and elements that protect and whiten teeth—it is actually more beneficial for dental health.