The most common teeth-staining culprits are two of the world’s favourite indulgences; tea and red wine. Red wine is quite rich in chromogens and tannins.

Of course, a glass here and there isn’t going to turn your pearly whites a surly purple. But constant consumption might alter your teeth’s hue. 

They’re not the only bad guys either. Many foods and beverages cause teeth discolouration – mostly temporary, though. 

Some of these foods are curries (because of the vibrant coloured spices), berries and beetroot. 

 

Why do some foods stain your teeth?

There are three main factors in foods that cause stained teeth. These are Chromogens, Tannins and Acids. They work together to weaken the tooth enamel and discolour the tooth’s surface. 

Chromogens

Chromogens are the chemical compounds that give certain foods and drink their colour. Sometimes, the colours are so intense that they stain other things too – and so when we put the food into our mouths, they stain our teeth. 

 

Foods and drinks containing a substance called tannin can also make your teeth much more likely to stain, explains BUPA. Acids wear down your teeth enamel, which increases the chances of stains settling in. The rule is that if something can stain your clothes or your tongue, it likely has the ability to stain your teeth.

 

Tannins 

Tannins can be either natural or synthetic. Tannins promote staining. As mentioned, they make the teeth more susceptible for the chromogens to stick to the enamel. Even though coffee has loads of chromogens, tea is notorious for being chockful of tannins and more staining than a cup of joe. White tea, green tea, and herbal tea doesn’t have as many tannins, so they are better for everyday consumption – they also pack loads of health benefits like antioxidants and detoxing properties. 

 

Acid 

Acidic foods and drinks cause stains because acid erodes and softens the enamel, creating rough patches that stain easily. Acid makes sodas and sports drinks aggressive stainers. Alcoholic beverages are also highly acidic.

Energy Drinks

Besides tea and wine, a drink that is terrible for your teeth is an energy drink. Yes, we all know sodas weaken the teeth’s enamel. Still, energy drinks have even more sugar, acid, dye, and other chemicals. Even light-coloured sodas and sports drinks, like 7-Up or Gatorade, carry acids and sugars that eat away at the surface of your teeth.

Beetroot

Delicious beetroot, high in iron and fibre, has been used for decades to naturally dye fabrics. So, of course, it leaves stains on everything from your fingertips to your teeth and even your bowel movements! Many people have run to the doctor, suspecting a bloody stool, and instead been told they’d just consumed too much beetroot.  

Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce

Both dark acidic liquids are delicious compliments to loads of dishes, but the deep pigmentation of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce means you need to watch out for its effects on your teeth. The colour may linger on your teeth long after your meal’s finished.

Berries

Surprisingly, loads of fruits, especially dark berries, can stain your teeth. Fruits, particularly blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranates, can stain your teeth, no matter in which form you consume them. Fresh or baked, the lighter fruits tend to carry more acid, says Caputo.

How to prevent stained teeth

Of course, you can’t just stop eating fruits and veggies. They are packed with loads of vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. We won’t even tell you to stop drinking a glass of your favourite wine – or grape juice. Fortunately, there are loads of precautions and measures after eating that you can take to minimise the decolouration effects of your favourite pigmented snacks and drinks. (Although. Perhaps cutting out sodas and energy drinks is a good idea for more than just saving your teeth). 

• Cut back candy, soda, and sports drinks. 
• Use a straw for drinking beverages like soda, fruit juice, and tea. This can allow the liquid to bypass your teeth, preventing stain damage.
• Drinking water will help to wash away the dark liquids and foods. Take regular sips whilst eating and drinking this coloured food and drinks.
• Eat crunchy foods, fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots. They scrub your teeth, acting as natural stain removers.
• The most effective way to prevent stains from taking hold is to brush your teeth. Do it in the morning and at night – do not do it immediately after eating a meal. The tooth surface is too sensitive after eating and needs to be rehardened. Rather rinse before brushing if you want to do it shortly after a meal. Water will wash away the remaining acid in the mouth.
• Chew sugarless gum can pull staining agents off of your teeth from foods you’ve recently consumed and can make your breath better, too!

Affinity Dental’s three tiers of dental insurance cover individual specialist work to various degrees. 

Adults and children need to visit the dentist at least twice a year, and these dental maintenance appointments can start to add up. Dental insurance will cover you for additional treatments such as crowns, root canals or fillings, whether done at the dentist or specialist practice.