Tea stains teeth more than coffee, expert claims

The popular beverage can cause havoc on your pearly whites

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Tea is undisputedly the beverage of Britain, with approximately 165 million cups of the stuff consumed in the country on a daily basis.

However, your inclination towards a brew could be doing more damage to your teeth than you realise.

While coffee has been known to stain teeth over time, a dentist has now claimed that tea can have even more of a detrimental effect on the colour of your pearly whites.

According to Jordan Kirk, a dental expert for dental brand White Glo, all sorts of teas can cause your teeth to discolour.

“Tooth enamel is naturally porous and can absorb the tannins in tea, leading to unpleasant brown discolouration of your teeth,” he said.

Tea contains several compounds that have been known to stain teeth.

These include theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownins, which have more of a discolouring effect on your teeth the stronger your brew.

Theaflavins and thearubigins are constituents of tannin, a substance that is also used in the process of tanning leather.

Green tea allegedly contains the highest amount of tannins, as stated by Victor R Preedy, author of Tea in Health and Disease Prevention.

Some tannins are antioxidants, and so can reportedly help reduce risk of heart disease and cancer.

While large quantities of tannic acid can cause stomach irritation and liver damage, experts have clarified that teas such as green and black contain tannins, not tannic acid.

Kirk explained to The Sun how high levels of tannins creates plaque on your teeth, which in turn can lead to teeth turning a faintly yellow colour.

Dr Payal Sharma Birch, dentist at Smile Impressions, recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, allocating 30 seconds at a time for each quarter of your mouth.

However, your dentist or hygienist may advise you spend even more time brushing your teeth if your gums are in need of more attention.