If you’re getting your teeth whitened at Chase Side Dental Practice in Enfield, it’s understandable to want to find out what food stains teeth so you know what to avoid to maintain your new, brighter smile. Many teeth whitening brands make different recommendations, so trying to work out which, if any, foods and drinks you need to avoid can be confusing.
A good rule to keep in mind is that if an item can stain a white cotton shirt, or discolour your tongue, it can probably stain your teeth.
There are two main types of discolourations on your teeth, extrinsic stains and intrinsic discolouration. If your tooth discolouration is intrinsic, then you may need a course of whitening. If the stains are extrinsic they can be removed by having a scale and polish with the hygienist.
Extrinsic stains are surface stains to your teeth. Some typical causes include:
Extrinsic stains usually appear as yellow or brown deposits on your teeth, and are most noticeable on your gum line and between your teeth. They can usually be easily treated by scaling and polishing during a hygiene appointment.
Intrinsic discolouration is caused by discolouration from within the tooth, and is more complex to treat. They are usually not caused by food or drink, but may develop or be exacerbated in response to some antibiotics, root canal treatment or developmental conditions. Sometimes our teeth are just a darker colour.
Some reasons why intrinsic stains develop include:
If you’re worried about your teeth being stained and eat or drink many of the following items a lot, you may wish to think about limiting your intake whilst whitening, and for 48 hours after you have finished your whitening treatment.
This list also explains how to limit your staining potential, long after your whitening treatment is finished.
| Food/Drink | Why it stains | How to avoid staining |
| Tea and coffee | Both tea and coffee contain tannins | Use a straw if possibleBrush and floss teeth regularlyAdd milk or non-dairy alternativeConsider reducing intake |
| Red wine | Natural dyes and tanninsContains acid | Sip water between glassesBrush and floss before you drink if possiblePair with cheese and/or crunchy vegetablesWait 60 minutes before brushing your teeth after a glassConsider reducing intake |
| Cola | Contains dark pigments and acid | Drink through a straw if possibleRinse your mouth after drinkingWait 60 minutes before you brush your teethConsider reducing intake |
| Fruit juices | Contains natural pigments and acid | Drink through a strawPair with crunchy fruit and vegetables Wait 60 minutes before you brushConsider reducing intakeRinse your mouth with water after drinking |
| Tomato-based sauces | AcidicRed pigmentsSticky texture | Combine with a leafy green salad (eg spinach)Rinse after eatingBrush your teeth after 60 minutes |
| Turmeric | Contains yellow pigment (curcumin) | Drink any liquids through a strawRinse your mouth after eatingPair with yoghurt, milk or non-dairy alternative |
| Balsamic vinegar | Contains dark pigmentsAcidic | Rinse your mouth with water after your mealPair with crunchy vegetablesDilute dressing with oilWait 60 minutes before brushing teeth |
| Soy sauce | Contains dark pigments | Pair with crunchy foods such as fresh vegetablesWait 60 minutes before brushing your teethRinse your mouth with water after your meal |
| Berries | Contains dark pigments and tanninsOften acidic | Wait 60+ minutes to brush teethRinse your mouth with water after eating |
| Beetroot | Contains deep, dark pigments | Rinse mouth with water after eatingPair with crunchy vegetables after eatingWait 60 minutes to brush your teethUse a straw for beetroot juice |
If something can stain a cotton shirt, it can probably cause discolouration. Particularly dark or brightly coloured food, such as tomato sauces, turmeric, red wine, beetroot or soy sauce, can stain your teeth. Avoid these whilst whitening and for the first 48 hours after having your teeth whitened.
Avoid dark drinks whilst whitening and for 48 hours after using teeth whitening products.
Besides many more serious health issues, cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause rapid discolouration to your tooth enamel. If you are struggling to give up, Smokefree Enfield offers a free, confidential stop smoking service.
Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent your teeth from becoming stained and help your teeth whitening last longer. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use any other tools as advised by your dentist and hygienist.
During your whitening treatment and for the first 48 hours especially, your newly whitened teeth are vulnerable to staining again. Although foods like berries, turmeric, beetroot, vinegar and tomato-based sauces are usually healthy, the pigmentation within them causes discolouration. Tea and coffee, cola and red wine can also stain your teeth.
However, there is no reason why you have to give up enjoying the foods and drinks you love permanently, especially if you follow a proper oral care routine.
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Yes, over time it can create a dull grey or yellow tinge. However, it typically does not stain as much as regular tea or coffee as the tannin levels are not as high.
Yes, herbal tea can stain your teeth, but how much depends on the ingredients used in the tea. For example, brightly coloured drinks such as hibiscus or berry-based teas are much more likely to cause discolouration, whereas camomile is much safer for your smile.
Some of our patients find they have stains on their teeth from drinking coffee, especially if they drink it regularly. However, you can avoid this by brushing your teeth effectively twice daily and flossing your teeth once a day, to prevent stains from lingering. You may also want to consider using a straw, especially for the first few days after teeth whitening, and drinking your cup in one sitting. Adding milk also helps dilute the dark pigments found in coffee.
Teeth whitening starts from £375 at Chase Side Dental Practice. To explore more prices, see our fees and finance page.
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