Why do certain foods stain teeth permanently?

Question

Can someone explain to me why certain foods/drinks like coffee or maybe even food dyes (?) stain teeth permanetly over time? How does it do this? Are there certain foods/drinks that do it faster than others?

Answer 1

There are foods/drinks that stain teeth permanently, usually through a long period of time. Regularly drinking red wine, tea and coffee, berries, fruit juices, or smoking tobacco can cause permanently discolored teeth. Normally, they are called extrinsic stains that can be easily removed by the dentist or hygienist. However, once it became intrinsic stains(over time), teeth will stain permanently. The cells of the enamel, which are quite sensitive to any abnormal disturbances, are affected, causing the staining and discolorations. These type of stains are usually treated with more invasive measures. Hope that helps.

Answer 2

To be safe, get a clear plastic bag, garbage type, and line the tub. Some tubs, like porcelan, will stain, it will fade away, but it will take time. So, it's your call. You may have a stain for awhile, but with use and cleaning, the stain from red food dye will eventually wear off.

Answer 3

I'm a 45 year old cigarette smoking, red wine/coffee drinking woman with whiter teeth than most. Why? Because I bleach! Nothing's permanent!

Answer 4

no food stains your teeth permanently its stains them in till you brush your teeth if you eat food before you go to bed and do not brush your teeth and you do this for a while then your teeth will over time be stained. just brush your teeth after you eat anything.

Answer 5

They don't stain them permanently. A quick clean up at the dentist whitenes them up again.

Answer 6

Get one of those toothpastes made for coffe drinkers.