The Science Behind Staining: What Foods & Drinks Cause Tooth Discoloration?

There are a number of different factors out there that play an active role in the progressive yellowing or staining of your teeth, whether that’s due to your intake of a certain chemical compound found in a variety of foods or drinks or your love for acidic treats. The science behind stained teeth is interesting, and knowing just what causes your bright pearly whites to dim over time can help you avoid a yellowing smile. Read on to learn more about how teeth become stained and what foods and drinks can speed up the process of tooth discoloration.

What are Popular Staining Foods & Drinks?

You may be surprised to learn that your go-to pick-me-up drink or your favorite on-the-go snack is what’s causing your teeth to look more discolored over time. Although it’s not necessary to completely eliminate these from your diet in order to maintain a brighter smile, consuming them in moderation can drastically slow its discoloration:

• Coffee is not only acidic, but it also contains tannins.
• Sweets like candy that are high in sugar can transform your mouth into an acidic environment by attracting harmful oral bacteria.
• Citrus like orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime are great for your health, but when consumed in excess, can cause enamel erosion.
• Soda, especially those that are dark in color, are sugary and contain tannins.
• Tea, especially black tea, contains tannins.
• Berries, like blueberries and blackberries, contain tannins.
• Red wine is another primary cause of stained teeth due to tannins.

How Do Teeth Become Stained?

Teeth can look more yellow due to a couple of different underlying reasons. Tannins, which is a chemical compound that gives berries their vibrant color and red wine it’s luscious feel and look, are a known reason for staining. If you drink coffee throughout the day or red wine every night, the tannins in the beverages will bind with the saliva, coating the mouth and attaching to the plaque and teeth, causing them to look stained over time.

On the other hand, foods and beverages that are either acidic or high in sugar can also lead to yellowing teeth. This is because harmful oral bacteria consume these sugars and release waste in the form of acid, which erodes the outermost layer of teeth, called the enamel. Beneath the enamel is a more sensitive layer that is more yellow in color, called the dentin. Ultimately, the more visible the dentin is, the more discolored your smile can appear.

What Can You Do to Brighten Your Smile?

Whether you deal with intrinsic or extrinsic dental stains, there are a few different ways you can brighten your smile. If the staining is minor or you’re on a strict budget, using ADA-approved store-bought whitening toothpaste or strips is fine, just be sure not to overuse them because it could lead to dental sensitivity. If you want near-immediate results, professional teeth whitening from a cosmetic dentist is likely the best option for you. They typically offer both take-home and in-office teeth whitening that can brighten your smile by up to eight shades without adverse side-effects.

Maintaining your brighter smile will be much easier when you know what foods and drinks are dimming it. It will also help you get the most out of teeth whitening if you decide to invest in professional, clinically proven treatment!

About the Practice

Dental Health & Wellness Boston has helped patients in and around Boston maintain brighter, confidence-inducing smiles for decades. Drs. Smith, Budd, and Assadourian all bring unique skillsets and years of experience to the table, helping patients transform their smiles and improve their dental health. For questions or to learn more about teeth whitening or other cosmetic treatments, visit our website or call 617-742-1220.