Teas contain fluoride, which is a natural mineral found in rainwater and soil that will accumulate on tea plant leaves. Fluoride is what helps make your teeth strong, putting them at a lower risk of forming tooth decay over time. While the body does excrete fluoride, some of it goes towards your teeth and bones. You may not be aware that green tea actually has antioxidants in them that will prevent plaque formation, which reduces your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. If you're a tea drinker, here is what you need to know about the effect tea on oral health.

Consuming Too Much Fluoride

While fluoride is good for your teeth, consuming large quantities of it can produce effects that are adverse. There is a condition known as fluorosis, which causes opaque areas or white spots on your teeth. It is commonly associated with consuming a high amount of fluoride.

Drinking tea may cause you to be concerned about how much fluoride your body is taking in. Try to avoid drinking instant tea in powder form, since they are known to have more fluoride in them along with added sugar. Green tea that is decaffeinated will also have more fluoride when compared to its caffeinated counterpart. Green tea that is cheaper tends to be a lower quality, as well as high in fluoride. This is because they are made using old leaves, which tend to have more fluoride in them that they were able to absorb.

No matter what tea you are drinking, adding sugar to it is never good when it comes to the health of your teeth. Avoid adding sugar, or cut back dramatically on your tea drinking.

Drinking Tea That has Less Fluoride

Of all the different types of tea out there, white and green teas have much less fluoride when compared to black tea. White and green tea is made using younger leaves, which do not have the chance to absorb as much fluoride as they were growing. Herbal teas are made from flowers, roots, and herbs, and while they contain a low amount of fluoride, they also don't contain enough fluoride that it helps with cavity prevention.

Preventing Gum Disease With Green Tea

Green tea contains plenty of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation that happens from bacteria in the mouth. This means that green tea can actually reduce the bacteria in your mouth and cause you to be less at risk of getting gum disease.

Removing Teeth Stains

One problem with drinking tea regularly is that it has the potential to stain your teeth due to the tannin found in it.  If you feel like you want your teeth to be a few shades whiter, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area that can help.

For more information, contact companies like Wallington Dental.