Why Does Tea Make My Mouth Dry?

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world and has been enjoyed for centuries. However, a common question that comes along with the consumption of the drink is, why does tea make my mouth dry?  In this blog post, we will explore the reason behind the dry mouths of tea drinkers.

Caffeine In Tea

The first reason that could influence the moisture of your mouth is caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in tea and coffee. It is known to have a diuretic effect meaning it has the ability to increase the production of urine from the body. This can cause dehydration subsequently drying your mouth. When you drink tea in large quantities it can significantly increase the amount of liquid leaving your body whilst taking in much less. 

Tannins In Tea

Another reason that tea could be liable for making your mouth try is due to its tannin content. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in tea leaves. They are responsible for the bitter taste and astringency that can be found in tea. When you drink tea, the tannins can bind to the proteins in your saliva causing it to thicken and reduce saliva production. Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining the moisture in your mouth and helps prevent dryness. Therefore, when there is less saliva in your mouth it can feel dry and uncomfortable. 

Temperature In Tea

The temperature of the tea can also contribute to a dry mouth sensation. When you drink hot tea, it leads to tissues in your mouth to become dry and irritated. This is because hot liquids accelerate the evaporation of moisture from the mouth. The heat from the tea can also cause blood vessels in the mouth to constrict, reducing blood flow and leading to mouth dryness.

In addition, certain types of tea may have a more significant drying effect on the mouth than others. For example, black tea and green tea are known to have higher levels of tannins than white or herbal tea. Due to this, you may experience more dryness in the mouth when drinking these types of tea. 

How To Prevent A Dry Mouth When Drinking Tea

So you may be wondering what you can do to prevent a dry mouth when drinking tea? One solution is to drink plenty of water alongside or after drinking your tea. This allows your body to stay hydrated and counteract the diuretic effect of caffeine. Chewing gum or sucking on lozenges can also help to stimulate the production of saliva and keep your mouth moist. 

In conclusion, tea can make your mouth dry but there are plenty of ways around it. Don't let this stop your tea drinking journey and if you have not yet tried loose-leaf tea you are in the perfect place. Check out our teashop or subscription box!