How to Prevent Stained Teeth

Most of us want to maintain a bright, white smile throughout our lives. Unfortunately, many of our daily habits and favourite foods can lead to unsightly stains on our teeth, which can cause discolouration of the enamel (the tooth surface) and knock our confidence.

 

From using tobacco products to overindulging in foods and beverages like coffee, red wine and turmeric-loaded curries, there are a number of common causes for stained teeth.ⁱ Thankfully, there are also plenty of ways to help prevent tooth stains. Here, we’ll share our top tips for helping to keep your smile blemish-free for longer.

 

Why Are My Teeth Stained?

Stained teeth refer to the discolouration of the tooth’s surface (also known as the enamel) and are typically caused by avoidable everyday habits such as poor dental hygiene, smoking and consuming common teeth-staining food and beverages.ⁱⁱ

Types of Teeth Staining

Stains on teeth can come in a variety of colours and shades. Often, the colour of the stain can pinpoint the culprit, helping you to identify and avoid it in future. Some common tooth stain colours include:

• Brown tooth stains — brown stains on teeth are commonly associated with tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco or using other nicotine-based products can cause the accumulation of brown stains on the tooth’s surface.
• Yellow tooth stains — yellow stains on teeth can be caused by consuming dark-coloured food and drink, such as coffee and tea, tomato-based sauces and curries. However, it can also be an indication of poor oral hygiene.ⁱⁱⁱ
• Purple tooth stains — purple stains on the tooth’s surface are typically caused by red wine consumption.^iv

 

Top Food, Drinks & Habits That Cause Stained Teeth

Common foods and beverages that can stain your teeth include:

• Red wine
• Fruit juice
• Tea
• Coffee
• Cola and other dark soft drinks
• Tomato-based sauces
• Curries
• Turmeric
• Soy sauce
• Beetroot^v

Does Smoking Stain Your Teeth?

Regularly using tobacco-based products can lead to stains on teeth from smoking in a relatively short time, with some heavy smokers reporting almost completely brown teeth after years of use.^vi Research also shows that people who smoke suffer from more discolouration than those who don’t, making it one of the most common causes of stained teeth.^vii

Does Vaping Stain Your Teeth?

Although vaping does not stain your teeth as dramatically or as quickly as smoking cigarettes does, research shows that vaping causes tooth discolouration over time.^viii

 

Does Coffee Stain Your Teeth?

Coffee is one of the most common causes of preventable tooth staining. This is because the tannins, the organic substance found in coffee, penetrate the porous surface of the tooth enamel and leave dark, often brown, stains on our teeth.^ix

Does Green Tea Stain Your Teeth?

Green tea has been shown to cause tooth staining over time. So, if consumed regularly, it may cause tooth discolouration. However, research suggests that green tea does not stain the teeth as severely as black tea.^x

Does Turmeric Stain Your Teeth?

Turmeric is an incredibly pigmented ingredient that is known for its staining properties. Unfortunately, if your tooth enamel has been weakened over time by acidic food and drink, turmeric is more likely to cause tooth staining. Research suggests that the effect of this spice on the colour of your teeth is dictated by the strength of your enamel.^xi

Does Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Stained Teeth?

If you don’t remove dental plaque (the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth throughout the day) with thorough brushing and flossing, you’re more likely to develop discolouration, as stains can more easily cling to plaque.^xii

 

How to Prevent Stains on Teeth

When it comes to stained teeth, there are a number of easy things you can do to help prevent discolouration from forming over time. To keep your teeth looking their best, consider adding the following to your daily routine:^xiii

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and whitening fluoride toothpaste
• Floss between teeth at least once a day to remove trapped food particles that can cause stains and tooth decay
• Limit consumption of tooth-staining food and drink
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking to help prevent stains from taking hold
• Stop smoking cigarettes and vapes
• Visit your dentist regularly for routine professional oral hygiene appointments

Aquafresh Active White Toothpaste: For a Healthy, Whiter Smile

Aquafresh Active White Toothpaste gently removes stains to help restore teeth's natural whiteness.

 

With twice daily brushing, Aquafresh Active White Toothpaste:

• Helps prevent tooth decay
• Provides all the benefits of a fluoride toothpaste for the whole family
• Strengthens enamel
• Is tough on decay and kind to teeth