Patients often ask which liquids cause the most staining to their teeth (see list below). Surface stains can be removed during your visit with any of our hygienists.
In the order of MOST STAINING to LEAST STAINING:
1. Red wine (contains lots of chromagens and tannins). White wine contains tannins but not chromagens, so it still will stain the teeth.
2. Tea (black tea is the worst).
3. Pop/sports drinks (acidity etches the enamel to make it more stain-prone).
4. Coffee.
Chromagens: colored molecules that stick to enamel
Tannins: like a glue that makes the chromagens stick better
Acidity: etches the enamel, making the surface rougher allowing the chromagens to penetrate more deeply and stick.
– from Dr. Kuryla
In the order of MOST STAINING to LEAST STAINING:
1. Red wine (contains lots of chromagens and tannins). White wine contains tannins but not chromagens, so it still will stain the teeth.
2. Tea (black tea is the worst).
3. Pop/sports drinks (acidity etches the enamel to make it more stain-prone).
4. Coffee.
Chromagens: colored molecules that stick to enamel
Tannins: like a glue that makes the chromagens stick better
Acidity: etches the enamel, making the surface rougher allowing the chromagens to penetrate more deeply and stick.
– from Dr. Kuryla