ismile-news

A brighter smile is one of the first things people notice, but keeping your teeth white can be a challenge when everyday habits and lifestyle choices can work against you, changing the colour of your teeth, making them appear yellowish or even brown. Stains can build up gradually, often without you realising — until one day your smile looks a little less sparkling.  One of our most common questions we get asked in our clinic is – What is causing my teeth to stain and How do i prevent it from happening?

To understand how your teeth became stained, first, we need to understand the purpose of our teeth and the anatomy of the tooth.  Your teeth are part of your digestive system; they break down food by crushing or cutting them before you swallow.  Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of the teeth that protects the inner dentin and pulp from damage.  Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it also contains millions of tiny microscopic pores.  Through heat and natural expansion and cold and contraction (e.g. drinking hot, highly coloured beverages such as coffee and tea, eating highly coloured foods), the pores in the enamel open and the colour from the food or beverage becomes embedded inside the enamel, causing tooth discolouration.  This is why no amount of brushing can remove the stains, because the staining is not on the tooth surface; the stains are actually embedded in the pores of the enamel layer.

What is causing my teeth to stain, and which Tooth-Staining Habits am I guilty of?  Here are some of the most common causes of teeth staining:

Teeth staining caused by Coffee and Tea

That morning pick-me-up may be essential, but both coffee and tea contain tannins—natural compounds that cause colour compounds to stick to your teeth and become embedded in your enamel layer. While black tea and coffee are the biggest culprits, even lighter teas like green or herbal blends can gradually stain your enamel. A detailed article specifically covering this topic is available on our website How to remove and prevent coffee stains on your teeth

Tip: Try rinsing your mouth with hot water after drinking coffee and tea.

Red Wine is rich in chromogens cause teeth to stain

A glass of red may feel indulgent, but it’s also rich in chromogens—pigments that easily stick to teeth. Combined with acidity, this makes wine a top staining teeth offender.  Even a single glass can leave a temporary purple tint on your teeth.

Tip: Pair wine with cheese! It can help neutralize acids and protect enamel. Ringse the mouth with hot water.

Smoking and Vaping can cause stubborn stains in the tooth enamel

Nicotine and tar from cigarettes (and even some vapes) cause deep, stubborn stains in the enamel that can be tough to remove. Beyond discoloration of the teeth, they also affect your overall oral health. A detailed article specifically covering this topic is available on our website How to remove Tobacco/Nicotine Stains on your Teeth

Sugary and Dark-Coloured Drinks can weaken the enamel layer

Sodas and brightly coloured sports drinks not only contain dyes but are also acidic, which weakens enamel and makes teeth more prone to staining. Even clear soft drinks can erode enamel, increasing the risk of discolouration from other foods.  Even fruit juices can erode enamel and make staining pigments easier to absorb into the tooth.  A detailed article specifically covering this topic is available on our website Teeth Staining caused by Carbonated Drinks like Cola, Soda and Others

Sauces known to cause teeth staining

Tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar are all highly pigmented and acidic, making them prime suspects in staining the teeth. These sauces can gradually alter the natural whiteness of your teeth if consumed often.

Curries and Spices colour pigment stains the teeth

Turmeric and other richly coloured spices that give curries their beautiful golden hue—but that same pigment can cling to tooth surfaces and work it way into the pores of the enamel, leaving a yellowish tint and staining teeth over time.

Sweets and Snacks not only cause cavities but cause teeth to stain

We all love a sweet treat now and then, but sugar can be one of the biggest culprits behind tooth decay and discolouration. When you eat sugary foods or drinks, the bacteria naturally present in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids. These acids attack your tooth enamel causing it to weaken and eventually leading to cavities.  Frequent sugar consumption, especially sticky sweets or sugary drinks, gives bacteria more fuel to produce acid, increasing the risk of decay and makes tooth staining more noticeable. Even seemingly harmless snacks, like fruit juice or dried fruit, can contribute if consumed often.

Tip: You can protect your teeth by limiting sugary foods, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly. Rinsing your mouth with water after a sweet treat can also help wash away lingering sugars.

What is causing my teeth to stain – The Good News

You don’t have to give up your favourite foods and drinks completely.  Here are some useful information to help you minimize staining from coffee, tea, wine, and other culprits with these effective tooth staining prevention tips

Drink water: Alternate your hot beverages with sips of hot water to help rinse away staining compounds and prevent them from setting into the enamel pores. If the staining effect is a concern, consider switching to lighter-coloured teas or using decaffeinated coffee, which may have fewer staining properties.

Use a straw: A straw can help reduce the direct contact between the hot, staining liquid and your teeth.

For a bigger boost, professional in-clinic teeth whitening can safely restore brightness and confidence to your smile.  Please contact iSmile for more information about this article ‘What is causing my teeth to stain’? Here is a link to the most frequently asked teeth whitening questions

Whitening Your Smile with Professional In-Clinic Teeth Whitening
iSmile Professional In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Auckland offers the most developed, safe and gentle teeth whitening system available on the market today!  iSmile Teeth Whitening Practitioners are fully qualified and registered members of the New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association (NZCTWA). There are many different teeth whitening treatment options available

Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

Learn more about Professional In Clinic Teeth Whitening Auckland

Follow iSmile on Instagram and Facebook

Go straight to iSmile Online Bookings

Here is a link to the most frequently asked teeth whitening questions

Share