How Staining Happens
Enamel looks smooth, but under a microscope it is full of tiny pores. Strongly colored compounds in food and drink settle into those pores.
Acids soften enamel for a while, which makes it easier for color to take hold.
The Usual Suspects
- Coffee and black tea.
- Red wine.
- Cola and other dark soft drinks.
- Berries such as blueberries and blackberries.
- Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and tomato-based sauces.
- Curry and turmeric.
- Tobacco, in any form.
Simple Habits That Help
- Drink iced coffee, tea and dark drinks through a straw.
- Rinse your mouth with water after staining food or drink.
- Wait about 30 minutes before brushing after anything acidic.
- Eat crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery, which help clean teeth as you chew.
- Don't sip a dark drink slowly over hours. Finish it, then rinse.
What Brushing Can and Can't Do
Regular brushing and a professional cleaning remove new surface stains. Deeper discoloration within the tooth is less responsive to ordinary brushing and whitening toothpaste.
When You Want More
Professional whitening can produce a more noticeable change in tooth shade, and in-office treatment may be completed in a single visit depending on the case. Afterwards, the habits above help your result last as long as possible.
