Daily Mail: Tomatoes and Tea Stain Tooth Enamel the Most

Coloring compounds found in tomatoes, tea, coffee, wine, berries, and fruit juices have the strongest impact on tooth enamel color, British dentist Hannah Kinsella (Liverpool University School of Dentistry) told Daily Mail.

The expert explained that the concentration of various acids in wine, tomatoes, berries, and juices is quite high. These chemicals erode the enamel and increase its porosity — the number of microcracks and small pits.

“Red wine and tomatoes also contain pigments such as anthocyanins and tannins. These bind more quickly to porous enamel, leading to tooth discoloration,” Kinsella explained.

According to the dentist, powerful staining agents are also found in raspberries and blueberries, as well as in tea and coffee. She additionally recommended limiting the consumption of juices — especially cranberry, orange, and pomegranate — since they often contain high amounts of sugar. Sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that release acids, which further damage the enamel.

“Tea and coffee are rich in tannins, a type of polyphenol that gives plants a yellowish or brownish hue. When these tannins penetrate the enamel, teeth often develop a greenish or grayish tint. Completely giving up tea and coffee may be difficult, but adding milk to these drinks can help minimize the risk of staining,” the dentist concluded.