What stains teeth — and how to keep them brighter
Coffee, tea and smoking are the usual suspects. Small habits make a big difference.
1 min read · 10 October 2026
Tooth colour changes over time. Some changes come from the surface, others from inside the tooth.
Surface stains
Coffee, tea, cola, red sauces and smoking leave pigments on the enamel. Professional cleaning removes much of this staining, and whitening can lighten what remains.
Deeper colour changes
Ageing, some medicines, injury to a tooth or old fillings can change colour from within. These may respond less to whitening — the dentist can explain the options, such as veneers.
Everyday habits that help
- Rinse with water after coffee or tea
- Use a straw for cold coloured drinks
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Reduce or stop smoking
- Have regular professional cleanings
Curious how whitening might look? Try the whitening simulator in our Smile Lab — it’s an illustration, not a prediction.
These articles are for general information and don’t replace advice from your dentist.
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