It only takes one coffee or red wine a day to cause stained teeth but we have some dental tips for you to ensure you can have your favourite drink without worrying about those nasty stains.
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Because of the colours, some drinks can easily dull your teeth. As a result of their high pigment content, acidity and various other factors, it may be evident during later decades in the form of staining. Here are the 4 key factors causing your brown teeth:
Drinks with High Pigment Content
Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine contain strong pigments that can stick to your enamel and cause noticeable staining over time.
Acidity
Acidic drinks such as soft drinks, citrus juices, and wine weaken the enamel, making it more porous and prone to absorbing stain-causing pigments.
Tannins
Tannins are natural compounds found in drinks like tea and red wine that help colour compounds bind more firmly to the tooth surface, increasing staining potential.
Sugar
Sugary drinks promote bacterial growth, which leads to acid production that erodes enamel, making it easier for stains to develop.
Beverages like coffee, tea and red wine can cause quite a bit of discolouration to our teeth by what they are made out of. A major factor, of course, is colour saturation. These drinks have very dark colours and they can plough through your teeth staining everything in their path over time.The first thing to note is your teeth’s surface porosity. These beverages contain acidity which can wear away the enamel on your teeth, making it more permeable to stain-causing pigments. The result of this erosion is the loss of the natural tint of your tooth enamel. As these pigments accumulate, they cause discolouration to occur within your teeth.In addition, the pigments in coffee, tea and red wine tend to enter through porous enamel causing stubborn stains. This in turn causes a continuous build-up of stains that can be challenging to maintain with the daily consumption of these beverages.
Excessive tea drinking can sometimes stain even more than coffee and red wine for a number of reasons. There is more tannin in tea, which can lead to more staining. Besides, tea is an enamel-loving drink as its pigments stick better on tooth enamel and worsen staining.Even if you only drink tea every so often, daily consumption of another variety could leave colouration that is more easily seen. Tea pigment in contact with teeth, especially slow sips and holding it in your mouth for a long time leads to a more precipitation of pigments, causing browner teeth.
The first rule of thumb is to drink with a straw. Sipping drinks through straws reduces the contact of stain-causing beverages on your teeth. And by making it flow to the back of your mouth, you let less pigments and acids in contact with your teeth.
Another method is to rinse immediately with water. This simple process washes away any remaining pigments and acids, preventing a new stain to become fixed. Consider drinking water afterwards too as it can help to wash away pigments and neutralise acids from staining beverages. Drinking some water after can also go a long way towards keeping mouth bacterias in check.
On another note, routine brushing (not immediately) is important to remove tooth-staining plaque and prevent stains.
You may also try to opt for lighter beverages. Your teeth are at a lower risk of becoming stained than if you were to go with something darker and more intensely hued.
Otherwise, consider drinking these beverages in moderation. The less you consume staining beverages, the lesser chances of developing brown teeth over time.
Finally, regular checkups from your dentist is recommended. Regular teeth cleaning or scaling can help with stain removal. This is the best way to keep your teeth looking pristine within professional dental cleanings.
If you want to keep your teeth white, there are some situations that will not help with maintaining the whiteness of your teeth. Here are a few tips on what not do:
Swish Less
Avoid swishing your drink around in your mouth, as it coats your teeth with pigments and increases the chances of staining.
Wait Before Brushing
After drinking something acidic, give it at least 30 minutes before brushing. Acids can temporarily soften enamel, and brushing too soon can cause damage.
Rinse With Water
A quick rinse with water after drinking staining beverages can help wash away residual pigments and acids from the surface of your teeth.
Skip Sugary or Acidic Foods Right After
Try to avoid following up with sugary or acidic foods immediately, as they can further weaken enamel and contribute to staining.
You can do this naturally by making a paste of baking soda and water to gently wash away surface stains. A blend of strawberries and baking soda may help as well because of the malic acid in strawberries, a natural bleaching property. Another option is oil pulling with coconut oil, which can reduce bacteria levels and loosen surface stains. Absorbent charcoal can also be useful to lift the stains off your tooth surface.Don’t forget to regularly brush and floss as this will prevent the formation of stains.
If you’re looking for a tried and tested method, consider professional teeth whitening like Zoom Teeth Whitening. Zoom offers a range of teeth whitening solutions, including in-chair and take-home options like Zoom WhiteSpeed, Zoom DayWhite, and Zoom NiteWhite. These products utilise light-activated technology to achieve up to 8 shades whiter teeth in just 70-90 minutes, making them more effective than many other whitening systems. Zoom teeth whitening is an advanced technology that is safe and 40% more effective than non-light-activated alternatives and enhances the lustre of your smile while protecting tooth enamel.
Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine with high pigment content, acidity, and tannins, can cause teeth stains. It’s hard to give up your favourite drinks to maintain the whiteness of your teeth. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent staining. And if your teeth still get stained, there are advanced solutions like Zoom Teeth Whitening to counteract staining and achieve a brighter smile.
Is teeth staining normal?
Yes, teeth staining is completely normal. Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine are common culprits due to their rich pigments and acidity, which can gradually discolour your teeth over time.
Can I brush my teeth straight after having coffee, tea, or red wine?
It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes. Brushing immediately after consuming acidic drinks can wear down enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to damage rather than preventing stains.
Does the temperature of my drink affect staining?
Not significantly — but hot beverages can slightly open the pores in your enamel, allowing pigments to penetrate more easily, which may contribute to staining over time.
Are there natural foods that help prevent stains?
Yes! Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery help boost saliva flow, which naturally cleans the teeth and neutralises acids that cause staining.
Do whitening toothpastes actually work?
Whitening toothpastes can be effective at removing surface stains with regular use, but they work gradually. For faster, more noticeable results, you might want to consider professional options like Zoom Teeth Whitening at Smile Place.
Dr Arathy Rao has over a decade of experience with a range of skills and knowledge in all aspects of dentistry.
