Ten Things That Can Stain Your Teeth

15 Feb Ten Things That Can Stain Your Teeth

Even if you brush your teeth every day, they can still get stained. The foods you eat, the beverages you drink, the medications you take, and everyday habits like vaping or smoking can all make your teeth look darker as time goes by. 

In some cases, strongly colored foods and drinks are responsible for stained teeth. For instance, the dark pigments in foods like berries and the tannins in red wine can actually attach to your tooth enamel, leading to discoloration. And the acids in tomato-based sauces, sodas, juice, and coffee can temporarily weaken your tooth enamel, making it easier to stain. But there are other things that can stain your teeth, too.

Here’s a list of ten common culprits behind stained, yellowed teeth:

1. Coffee
2. Black tea
3. Red wine
4. Soda and artificially-colored soft drinks
5. Dark-colored berries (including cherries)
6. Tomato-based sauces
7. Citrus fruits and juices
8. Nicotine use (smoking or vaping)
9. Certain medications (including tetracycline antibiotics)
10. Plaque and tartar buildup

Can Vaping Really Stain Your Teeth? 

People who vape might not experience the same level of staining that cigarette smokers do, vaping can still stain your teeth. Although vape juice doesn’t contain tar (like cigarettes do) any form of nicotine can contribute to yellowish tooth discoloration. Furthermore, vaping causes dry mouth, which lets plaque build up more quickly and also makes it easier for your teeth to get stained. 

How to Keep Your Teeth White

Knowing which things cause stains is just the first step. You can do your best to keep your teeth white by making different choices about the foods you eat and beverages you enjoy. But there are other things you can do to minimize the effect of acids, tannins, and heavy pigments. 

Here’s what you can do to prevent stains:

• Brush twice a day with a whitening toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss!
• Add more crunchy fruits and vegetables to your diet, because they will help keep your teeth clean naturally. 
• Drink a glass of water or rinse with mouthwash after any staining foods or beverages.
• Use a straw when drinking dark beverages. 
• Wait 30 minutes to brush if you ate or drank anything sugary or acidic.
• Get at least two cleanings from your dental hygienist every year.

Schedule a Dental Cleaning in Sun Lakes Today

Plaque and tartar buildup can make your teeth look yellow, so one of the easiest ways to get a brighter smile is to come and see us for a cleaning. We’ll get rid of all that nasty buildup and polish your teeth til they shine. 

And if you want to take things a step further, ask us about whitening treatments. We’ll fit you with a custom set of trays and provide a professional-strength whitening gel that you can use at home. In just a few weeks, you’ll have a bright new smile!

Let Saba and Chiappetti Dental Associates set you up for the whitest and brightest smile you can get. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our convenient Sun Lakes office.

Photo by Kamal Hoseinianzade on Unsplash used with permission under license for commercial use 02/20/2026.