Which foods and drinks stain teeth?

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**Joseph Chance** (1:47)
Which foods and drinks stain teeth?
Thanks for asking.
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 color when the enamel wears away. Furthermore, enamel thins as we age, also becoming darker and more yellow. Diet can be a factor in tooth discoloration, too, and that at least is something we can control.
Let's discuss which food items and drinks are the main culprits. Tea and coffee are renowned for staining teeth, aren't they?
Yes, and that's especially true given how we tend to drink them on a daily basis. Tea and coffee contain tannins, which are acidic polyphenols that lead to tooth discoloration. Coffee is actually acidic in nature, which means it affects the pH balance of the mouth. The more the enamel is damaged, the more the yellow dentine below starts to become visible. Certain other drinks should also be consumed in moderation for the same reasons. They include red wine, which also contains tannins from grape skin. Fizzy drinks like cola can also cause cavities and alter tooth colour, regardless of whether they contain sugar or not. That's because they're acidic and contain colouring agents. They also make teeth more porous and therefore more sensitive to future stains. What about foods? All acidic and tannic foods can stain our teeth if consumed on a regular basis. These include fruit and veg like beetroot, blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates and citrus fruits, as well as sauces like balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, soy sauce and curry. Products which are rich in lactic acid like yogurt, fresh cheeses or sourdough bread can also cause discoloration. Is there anything we can do apart from reducing our consumption? Drinking a glass of water after drinking a glass of fruit juice or wine or a cup of tea or coffee may help. Using a straw may also help when drinking soda. Brushing your teeth after meals is important to prevent tooth discoloration. Some dentists actually say it's worth brushing your teeth before drinking coffee to eliminate dental plaque and make it more difficult for stains to form. Dental plaque consists of food residue, bacteria, and saliva. If it's not removed through effective brushing, it hardens into tartar. You may have seen teeth whitening products in pharmacies and wondered whether they might be an effective option. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, they can actually worsen existing conditions, especially if not applied correctly. Some have no scientifically proven benefits whatsoever.
And some people say you can use lemon juice and baking soda to whiten teeth, but that's a myth that needs busting. Lemon is acidic, while baking soda is abrasive, making for an unsafe combination. The method will instead corrode your tooth enamel, which doesn't regenerate when damaged. If you really want to get your teeth whitened, it's best to discuss treatment options with your dentist.