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Which foods and drinks stain teeth?

Apr 12, 2025

Discover how genetics and oral hygiene affect tooth color! Learn why certain foods and drinks, like tea and coffee, can stain teeth, and which common culprits to avoid. Uncover the science behind enamel and dentine, and get practical tips to minimize discoloration. Plus, debunk some popular myths surrounding teeth whitening. It's a quick dive into keeping your smile bright!

05:04

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Quick takeaways

Certain foods and drinks, especially those high in acidity and tannins like tea and red wine, are known to stain teeth.

Effective strategies to maintain tooth whiteness include rinsing with water after consumption and using a straw for beverages.

Deep dives

Food and Drinks That Stain Teeth

Certain foods and drinks are notorious for causing tooth discoloration, primarily due to their acidity and tannin content. Beverages like tea and coffee contain tannins, which can lead to staining, especially with daily consumption. Red wine also poses a risk due to similar tannins, while fizzy drinks are harmful because of their acidity and coloring agents, making teeth more porous. Furthermore, various foods such as berries, citrus fruits, and certain sauces can contribute to staining as well, underscoring the importance of being aware of one's diet in maintaining oral aesthetics.

Factors Influencing Tooth Discoloration

2min

Understanding Tooth Stains: Foods and Drinks to Avoid

3min

Having beautiful white teeth of course depends on good oral hygiene to a degree. But brushing and flossing alone aren’t the only factors. The structural integrity of our tooth enamel is actually determined by genetics, meaning some of us are more likely to experience decay than others.

The same goes for dentine, which is the calcified tissue that lies underneath tooth enamel, protecting the dental pulp encased within. Now dentine is actually yellow, which explains why our teeth gradually turn that colour when the enamel wears away.

Tea and coffee are supposed to be bad at staining teeth, aren’t they? What about foods? Is there anything we can do apart from reducing our consumption? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 16/4/2023

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