Does Matcha Stain Your Teeth? – Myth or Truth

Caffeinated drinks like coffee and black tea are known to stain your teeth, so what separates matcha tea from the rest? Find out whether matcha tea can stain your teeth or if that is just a myth.

Matcha green tea powder products, such as powders and teas, have risen significantly in popularity in recent years. In fact, the global matcha market is expected to reach a revenue of $5.5 billion by 2027.

While matcha products have been available for many years - and have a documented historical use, there are many reasons behind their sudden surge in popularity.

For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we became naturally more health-conscious, which means that the sales of wellness-inducing products rose quite considerably. Matcha was fortunately included within this craze - though it has remained consistently popular at times when other products have fallen out of fashion.

Beyond this, however, the health benefits of matcha speak for themselves. For example, regular matcha consumption is often associated with healthy, sustained weight loss, a strengthening of the immune system, and an improvement in overall wellness.

However, whenever a new healthcare trend is brought to light, a lot of misinformation tends to surround it - and in some cases, the same can be said for Matcha products. For example, some people believe that drinking matcha can stain your teeth - but this is simply not the case. The idea that matcha stain your teeth is a myth; matcha tea does not directly stain teeth like coffee or black tea.

In this article, we’ll work to dispel the myth that matcha can stain your teeth - discussing why it came about in the first place while also touching upon the many ways in which matcha products are good for your dental health and oral hygiene.

Does Matcha Stain Your Teeth? 

As mentioned above, some people are wary of trying matcha drinks as they believe they could stain their teeth or lead to discoloration. However, many studies have found that matcha does not stain your teeth - in fact, it may even do the opposite.

There are a few different reasons why people may have come to this incorrect conclusion. Firstly, matcha does contain chromogens, which are pigmented compounds that can stick to the enamel of your teeth, causing discoloration. Furthermore, many people associate matcha teas with more traditional teas and coffee, which do have the potential to stain your teeth.

However, this misinformation is exactly that - misinformation. For example, so long as you brush your teeth regularly, the small amounts of chromogens present within matcha products will not harm your enamel.

Furthermore, matcha teas and products contain lower levels of tannins than other caffeinated drinks (such as coffee and black tea), which again means they are less likely to cause any form of discoloration. Additionally, the fluoride in matcha helps strengthen tooth enamel, providing further protection against staining.

In fact, drinking matcha teas or shakes could actually help to brighten your smile. This is because matcha has strong anti-bacterial properties, which means it can be used as a tool to help combat tooth decay, discoloration, and more - leaving your pearly whites pearly white!

As such, it’s no surprise that many companies are now including traces of matcha in their products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste - especially if it can help to improve your overall oral or periodontal health.

Is Matcha Good for Your Oral Health? 

According to a recent report, more than 90% of adults in the US have cavities - many of which go untreated. Furthermore, close to 50% of people in the US have gum disease (gingivitis).

As such, finding new ways to boost oral health is important in helping reduce these figures while also preventing the healthcare complications they can cause. Interestingly, while some might worry about matcha tea staining teeth, its natural properties actually prevent it from leaving unsightly colors on the teeth. Additionally, matcha green tea offers numerous dental benefits, such as its antibacterial effects and ability to prevent cavity formation and periodontal disease. After all, oral health complications can quickly get difficult or expensive to deal with, whereas making lifestyle changes now can reduce the chances of you dealing with them at all in the future.

Fortunately, many studies have found that matcha-based products can be incredibly influential in this regard. For example, green teas, in general, are known for promoting oral health by “reducing inflammation, preventing bone resorption, and limiting the growth of certain bacteria associated with periodontal disease.” However, matcha teas may be even more effective in this regard, given that they “contain about three times more antioxidants than high-quality regular green tea..).)” As a result, drinking matcha tea on a regular basis could be a great way to promote proper dental health - and the fact that it’s also delicious is an added bonus!

To minimize the risk of matcha staining on teeth, it is recommended to practice good dental hygiene, rinse the mouth after consumption, and use a straw.

Furthermore, consuming matcha products can also strengthen our immune system. Heightened immunity can also help to prevent a range of dental health complications. For example, it can help to combat gum disease by strengthening your body’s response to invading bacteria, meaning that the issue does not have time to worsen. This is particularly good news when you consider the fact that gum disease is often a precursor to tooth loss.

As such, in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, matcha products can help prevent a range of oral health complications, such as decay, discoloration, gum disease, and tooth loss. Matcha is also less likely to stain teeth compared to other beverages like black tea and coffee.

Final Thoughts.

Simply put, drinking matcha teas, shakes, or smoothies will not stain your teeth, especially if you maintain a good dental health routine. If you're wondering, "does green tea stain teeth?" the answer is that matcha, a type of green tea, does not cause teeth staining like coffee or black tea. For example, you should make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day, using dentist-recommended products. You should also floss and use mouthwash to keep your dental health in check.

Furthermore, the antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits associated with the consumption of matcha products mean that they could actually help you maintain a healthier smile, as they can kill off the bacteria present within your mouth that leads to both cavities and plaque build-up. Matcha, high in chlorophyll and catechin content, does not directly stain teeth like coffee or black tea.

As a result, introducing matcha into your diet can be a great way to improve your smile and monitor teeth staining, as matcha's staining can act as an early warning sign for dental issues - alongside the rest of your health. For example, you may find that you feel more energized in the morning or even that it can help to facilitate healthy weight loss. Beyond this, however, matcha tastes great! As a result, it’s a welcome treat at any time of the day.

If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. If not, now is the perfect time to get your hands on some matcha powder so that you can start implementing this delicious product into your diet - and reaping the many benefits, too!

Matcha tea stain teeth FAQ's

Does matcha stain your teeth like coffee or tea?

Unlike coffee and black tea, matcha is less likely to stain your teeth because it contains lower levels of tannins. Tannins are compounds that can cause discoloration. While matcha may have a mild staining effect over time, it is generally less pronounced compared to other beverages.

How can I prevent matcha from staining my teeth?

To prevent any potential staining from matcha, it's a good idea to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, rinse your mouth with water after consuming matcha, and consider using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Regular dental cleanings can also help keep your teeth stain-free.

Is matcha better for dental health than other caffeinated drinks?

Yes, matcha can be better for dental health compared to other caffeinated drinks like coffee and black tea. Matcha has lower acidity, which means it is less likely to erode enamel. Additionally, matcha contains catechins, which have antibacterial properties that can promote oral health by reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth.