Most people are well aware that brushing their teeth twice daily is essential for maintaining a bright and healthy smile.

Yet, many dentists caution that certain commonly consumed foods can secretly contribute to tooth discoloration, even for those with diligent oral care habits.

The reason lies in the enamel—the protective outer layer of your teeth—which, while resilient against cavities and the wear from chewing, isn’t always immune to staining.

This enamel is porous, allowing it to absorb the vibrant pigments found in various foods and beverages, which can lead to discoloration.

Dr. Hanna Kinsella, a dentist, explained to the Daily Mail, “This is a frequent issue we encounter in the clinic, and it’s something that often worries patients.”

She added, “It’s not about avoiding these foods entirely, but rather being aware of them and knowing how to reduce your risk of stains.”

It’s not only what we put in our mouths which pose a risk. 

Natural erosion of teeth’s enamel can expose the dentin, a yellowy layer which can cause discolouration and give the illusion of staining. 

Dr Hanna Kinsella says there are a number of foods and drinks that you should me mindful of if you want to protect your smile

Dr Kinsella once starred in The Real Housewives of Chesire 

As a former regular The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Dr Kinsella knows a thing or two about the pressure to have perfect teeth. 

The Icy Bear founder added that people who have ditched their natural gnashers for perfectly uniform implants or had veneers to enhance their smiles are often unaware that they also need to be cautious about staining. 

She said: ‘What people also do not realise, and something that we are seeing more of is that if you have cosmetic work done like veneers, they are more prone to staining. 

‘It is really important patients are mindful after spending all of that money.’

Dr Kinsella warns that it is not just food and drink that can cause a yellow smile.

‘It is well known that smoking can cause yellowed teeth, but what we are seeing now is the effects of vaping,’ she says.

‘The sticky chemicals in flavoured vapes can be really damaging to teeth and people often do not realise.’

Knowing that people with every kind of smile are at risk of losing their winning glow, these are the foods that Dr Kinsella warns her patients to be wary of.

Wine

Red wine is a common cause of staining according to dentists.

The staining is primarily caused by the acidity of the wine, which erodes the enamel and makes it more porous.

The pigments in red wine, such as anthocyanins and tannins, help these pigments stick to the teeth, leading to staining.

The acidic nature of red wine can also soften the outer layer of teeth, making them more prone to discoloration.

‘One glass is not going to hurt but over time the acidity and tannins can damage the enamel which can lead to yellow teeth,’ says Dr Kinsella.

‘If you can, it would be beneficial to rinse your mouth with water after having a glass of wine.’

Berries

Dark berries can erode the teeths enamal over time 

Like red wine, dark coloured berries have strong pigments, and the ones found in fruits like raspberries and blueberries can stay behind on your enamel long after you’ve finished your fruit platter.

‘Berries are another culprit for staining,’ says Dr Kinsella.

‘The problem is twofold; the acidity which can break down enamel and the pigmentation which can cause staining and discolouration.’

Tomato based sauces

From spaghetti bolognese to ketchup, tomato-based sauces could be a hidden cause of your stained teeth.

This is because they are acidic, which can gradually wear away tooth enamel.

‘This is one that people do not really think about as having an effect on staining, but over time it can have an impact if they are a regular part of your diet,’ says Dr Kinsella.

Fruit juices

Fruit juices are high in sugar and acidity so dentists recommend drinking them through a straw

Fruit juices are a common cause of staining, according to Dr Kinsella, because of their high sugar content, colour and acidity.

More pigmented fruit juices like cranberry or pomegranate juice are generally the worst when it comes to stains on your teeth.

Many fruit juices like orange or lemon juice may also be very acidic, allowing pigments to stain more deeply.

‘Fruit juices are a problem because when you blend a fruit down, you have broken up the particles,’ says Dr Kinsella.

‘This means that the sugar concentration is higher and it has greater acidity. There could be eight or nine oranges in a glass of juice, and you would never eat that many back to back.

‘To reduce the risk you can drink the juice through a straw. This will help minimise the contact with the teeth.’

Tea and coffee

A morning cuppa could be the cause of your yellowing teeth.

This is because tea contain tannins, a type of polyphenol—a compound found in plants—that often has a yellow or brownish color.

When tannins penetrate your enamel, they often create a greenish or greyish hue in your teeth.

‘With patients that have staining from tea and coffee what we often see is browning in between the teeth,’ says Dr Kinsella.

‘While it is hard to completely avoid tea and coffee, having milk in your drink can help minimise the risk of staining.’