I gave up coffee because my dentist told me that it would stain my teeth which I’d just had whitened. I switched to tea because I needed something. Now they’re picking up stains anyway. Does tea stain teeth like coffee? Are there any other drinks I need to avoid?
Carrie
Dear Carrie,
Teeth whitening is a great way to get a younger looking smile. While coffee is known to stain teeth, there are many other drinks (and foods) that can stain teeth. However, that does not mean that you can no longer have those drinks.
Why Do Drinks Stain Teeth?
Tooth enamel may look smooth, but it actually contains tiny pores. Dark-colored compounds settle into those microscopic spaces over time, especially if enamel has begun to thin with age. Acidic beverages can make staining even worse because acid temporarily softens enamel, making it easier for pigments to stick.
The Biggest Tooth-Staining Drinks
- Coffee: No surprise here. Coffee contains dark pigments and acidity, making it one of the most common causes of surface staining. Believe it or not, slowly sipping coffee over several hours may stain teeth more than drinking one cup quickly because your teeth are exposed longer.
- Tea: Many patients are surprised to learn that some teas—especially black tea—can stain teeth more than coffee. Tea contains compounds called tannins, which make it easier for stains to cling to enamel.
- Red Wine: Red wine combines a triple threat—dark pigments, tannins, and acidity. This combination makes it particularly likely to leave stains behind.
- Dark-Colored Sodas: Colas and darker sodas contain coloring agents and acids that may contribute to discoloration over time.
- Fruit Juices and Smoothies: Blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, and grape juices contain strong pigments that can leave stains behind.
Does This Mean You Have to Give Up Your Drinks??
This does not mean that you have to give up your favorite drinks. My recommendation is that you use Supersmile toothpaste during your oral hygiene. This will remove surface stains without damaging your teeth the way over-the-counter whitening toothpastes do.
Make sure you keep your teeth whitening trays. You can use them for periodic touchups. Then you would only need your dentist to provide you with teeth whitening gel.
This blog is brought to you by a holistic dentist in Kalamazoo Dr. Susan Dennis.
Click here to learn about KoR Teeth Whitening.