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Foods and Drinks That Commonly Cause Tooth Stains

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2012/09/11 - Updated: 2025/04/26
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Dental and Teeth - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This information provides an authoritative overview of common foods and drinks that cause dental staining, distinguishing between extrinsic stains-caused by external factors like dark-colored foods, beverages, and tobacco stains, which result from internal factors such as aging, medications, or trauma. The article lists specific culprits including soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, red wine, coffee, tea, berries, beets, colas, fruit juices, sports drinks, and dark chocolates, explaining how their pigments and acids adhere to or erode tooth enamel, making discoloration more likely. It offers practical advice for managing and preventing stains, such as using mildly abrasive toothpaste, chewing sugarless gum, rinsing with water after consuming staining foods, and waiting before brushing after acidic meals. This guidance is especially useful for seniors and people with disabilities, who may face additional challenges in maintaining oral health, by providing accessible strategies to reduce cosmetic dental concerns and maintain confidence in their appearance - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Pigmented deposits on a tooth, or teeth, surface are called dental stains. Certain foods and beverages will certainly stain your teeth, these include soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, red wine, coffee, tea, blueberries, grape and cranberry juices. Dark colored drinks like colas (Pepsi, Coke, and even the diet versions) can also leave stains on your teeth. For a list of common drinks and foodstuffs that cause discoloration and staining of the teeth keep reading...

Main Content

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Teeth Staining

Teeth discoloration or stains may be either (or both):

External Tooth Stain:

External staining are stains on the outer surface of a tooth or teeth caused by:

External stains can often be controlled with the use of mildly abrasive toothpaste containing baking soda, and by biannual visits to a dentist for teeth cleaning. Dentists typically recommend staying away from any foods that can stain your teeth for three days after a bleaching procedure.

Internal Tooth Stain:

Internal tooth discolorations are often caused by:

Internal stains cannot be dealt with through brushing or dental cleanings. A porcelain veneer(s) is often placed over the tooth or teeth by a dentist.

Drinks and Food That Cause Discoloration and/or Staining of Teeth

Foods:

Drinks:

Other:

Tips for Removing Stains from Teeth

Home Teeth Whitening Options - A number of teeth whitening methods to use at home to get your teeth looking whiter and healthier.

Tooth Discoloration is Cosmetic

If you are unhappy or concerned about the unusually dark or yellowish color of your teeth, talk to your dentist. Your dentist will be able to help you figure out what may be causing the discoloration and suggest ways to improve the color of your teeth.

Any change in a child's normal tooth color should be evaluated by a dentist.

As teeth whitening products are not all the same, always ask your dentist about the safest way to whiten your teeth to avoid future problems.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Maintaining a bright smile is not just a matter of aesthetics but also of self-esteem and social well-being, especially for those who may already face barriers due to age or disability. This article underscores the importance of everyday choices in oral care and empowers readers with actionable steps to minimize staining, reminding us that small adjustments-like rinsing with water or choosing certain foods-can make a significant difference in dental health and quality of life - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2012, September 11 - Last revised: 2025, April 26). Foods and Drinks That Commonly Cause Tooth Stains. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved July 10, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/oral/dental/stains.php

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