Tea can irritate your mouth primarily due to the presence of tannins.
The Role of Tannins
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in tea that can bind to proteins in your saliva. This binding action leads to a couple of key effects:
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Reduced Saliva Production: The interaction between tannins and saliva proteins can cause your saliva to thicken. In turn, this can decrease the overall production of saliva.
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Dry Mouth Sensation: Saliva is essential for maintaining moisture in the mouth. When tannin consumption causes reduced saliva production, the mouth can feel dry and uncomfortable. This dryness is a primary cause of mouth irritation experienced by some tea drinkers.
Essentially, tannins act as astringents, creating that puckering or dry sensation that some people find irritating.
