Do you really know? Which foods and drinks stain teeth?
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Nov 29, 2025 Discover the surprising relationship between genetics and tooth color. Learn how everyday favorites like tea, coffee, and red wine can expose the yellow beneath your enamel. Explore which foods, from berries to curry, are notorious for staining teeth. Get practical tips on reducing staining, like using a straw and drinking water afterward. Plus, find out why some popular whitening hacks could actually backfire and why it's best to consult a dentist for safe options.
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Enamel And Dentine Explain Colour Changes
- Tooth enamel strength is largely genetic and determines susceptibility to decay and discoloration.
- Dentine beneath enamel is yellow, so thinning enamel reveals a yellower tooth colour.
Why Tea And Coffee Stain Teeth
- Tea and coffee stain because they contain tannins and are acidic, which affect tooth surface and pH.
- Acidic drinks damage enamel so yellow dentine shows through more easily over time.
Acidic Drinks Make Stains Worse
- Fizzy drinks and red wine stain because they contain tannins, colouring agents and are acidic.
- Acidity makes teeth more porous and increases susceptibility to future stains and cavities.