Advice from Bupa on 10 common foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.

1. Top 10 teeth-staining foods

2. Tea and coffee
Tea and coffee both contain tannins, which cause staining. There is some evidence that
upping the milk in your tea or coffee may help to counteract the staining.

3. Red wine
It’s fine to enjoy the occasional glass of wine. But unfortunately for our teeth, red wine
is one of the most common causes of tooth staining.

4. Cola
The dark colouring of this drink, coupled with the acids which will wear away at your
teeth, make cola a definite no for your teeth.

5. Fruit juices
Fruit juices. Dark-coloured fruit juices, such as cranberry, blueberry and grape juices
are liable to leave stains on your teeth.

6. Tomato-based sauces
Tomatoes are a great source of many important nutrients. But the pigment causing
their deep red colour makes them a key offender for staining.

7. Curry
With their strong, deep colouring it’s no wonder that eating lots of curries can leave
behind tell-tale signs on your teeth.

8. Balsamic vinegar
It may make a tasty salad dressing, but the deep pigmentation in balsamic vinegar
means you need to watch out for its effects on your teeth.

9. Soy sauce
It’s a classic addition to any good stir-fry, but the dark colouring of soy may linger on
your teeth long after your meal’s finished.

10. Berries
Munching on a handful of berries can help to tot up your five-a-day. But as healthy as
they may be, berries are another tooth-staining culprit.

11. Beetroot
Beetroot is packed full of vitamins and minerals, and there have been claims about its
health benefits. But if you’ve ever handled beetroot, you’ll know just how much it can
stain.