The Most Common Foods that Stain Teeth
Posted on July 11, 2025
Studies found that our smiles are almost always one of the first features that is noticed by other people. In fact, about 24% of people reported that the smile is what they remember after meeting someone. Because of the impact our smiles have on us and the world around us, it’s understandable to ensure that you feel comfortable in your smile. Often, patients worry about staining and yellowing teeth, which can reduce confidence and comfort in many social situations. Investing in teeth whitening in Vaughan can help you fight staining for a brighter whiter smile. At Expo City Dental, our dentists in Vaughan provide reliable and fast Zoom teeth whitening services that can lighten discolouration on your teeth in as little as 15 minutes. Understanding what foods and habits are causing your teeth to change colour and addressing it with a trusted dentist in Vaughan can make a world of difference.
Here are some of the most common foods notorious for staining your teeth, and some tips on how to combat it for a whiter smile.
Coffee and Teas
As comforting as your morning coffee or afternoon tea may be, these beverages are among the top culprits for tooth staining. Their dark pigments and high acidity can wear down enamel and cause discolouration over time. Tea, especially black or dark herbal teas, contains tannins that cling to teeth even more than coffee. If giving up your daily brew isn’t an option, try to minimize its contact with your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward to limit staining.
Berries
Despite being incredibly healthy, berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries can stain your teeth due to their intense colour pigments. These pigments can adhere to enamel and cause noticeable darkening if consumed frequently. This potential for staining doesn’t mean that you have to cut berries out of your diet to maintain an attractive smile. Gently brushing your teeth and drinking water can minimize discolouration. If the problem persists, visit Expo City Dental in Vaughan to explore your options for teeth whitening.
Red Wine
After a long day, it can be tempting to pour a glass of red wine, but its deep red pigments, combined with natural acids and tannins, can quickly darken your enamel. Over time, this staining becomes more noticeable, especially if you consume wine regularly. To reduce its effects, consider alternating sips of wine with water, and avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking, as your enamel may be temporarily softened.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Acidic, tomato-based pasta sauces are another common cause of tooth staining. The high acidity can wear away enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to the deep red pigments found in tomatoes. Pairing tomato sauces with raw vegetables like broccoli or spinach can create a protective film on your teeth that helps reduce the impact of staining. If the discolouration becomes a challenge for you, talk to our team about teeth whitening in Vaughan.
Invest in Your Smile with Expo City Dental Office in Vaughan
It’s human to want to enhance and protect your smile, and teeth whitening at your dentist in Vaughan is a great way to achieve your dream smile. Choosing to visit a professional for whitening services can help you mitigate damage from products that can be found online or in-store. Our team takes care to ensure that your teeth whitening is tailored to your needs and monitors progress to deliver the best possible results.
To learn more, contact our team directly.