Common Foods and Drinks that Stain Teeth

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2012/09/11 - Updated: 2022/02/06
Topic: Dental and Teeth - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: A list of common drinks and food that can cause dental discoloration and brown, yellow or other colored ugly staining of the teeth. External teeth 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.

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 Item

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.

Continued below image.
Before and after image of cosmetic dentistry tooth whitening. The left side of the image shows teeth that are discolored. The right side shows white teeth after dental cleaning.
Before and after image of cosmetic dentistry tooth whitening. The left side of the image shows teeth that are discolored. The right side shows white teeth after dental cleaning.
Continued...

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.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

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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: 2022, February 6). Common Foods and Drinks that Stain Teeth. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved March 23, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/oral/dental/stains.php

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