If I switch to green tea from coffee, will it reduce teeth stains?

While switching from coffee to green tea may require the same amount of scrubbing by your hygienist to remove stains, we’ll just say that stained teeth are better than no teeth! According to a 2009 study, drinking at least one cup of green tea a day increases the odds of keeping your teeth as you age. In addition, a daily cup of green tea can also offer protection against gum disease, helping to decrease both gum recession and bleeding. The researchers suggested that the antioxidants found in green tea may be responsible for slowing down the effects of gum disease, as well as helping lead to a lower instance of periodontal disease.  It is believed that antimicrobial molecules called catechins present in green tea are what provide the benefit. Catechins have been shown to kill mouth bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease.

If that’s not enough encouragement, drinking green tea may also lower your chances of oral cancer. By analyzing the results of 19 recent studies, a 2014 meta-analysis found a significantly lower risk of oral cancer among participants who drank green tea.

Be sure to leave the sweeteners in the cupboard!