NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / December 7, 2025 / If you've ever tried teeth whitening, you may already know that there are a variety of options to choose from, including over-the-counter whitening strips, custom trays with bleaching gel, and in-office whitening performed by a dentist. However, the foods you consume and habits you keep will also affect the brightness of your smile. If you're not careful, you might realize that the results from your last teeth whitening aren't lasting as long as expected. Here are five foods and habits that you should avoid to keep your smile looking bright.

Drinking coffee or tea

If you drink coffee or tea regularly, the pigments of the liquids will stain your teeth over time. Darker teas, such as black tea, are more likely to turn your white teeth yellow due to their high concentration of tannins.¹ To minimize stains caused by liquids, you can simply brush your teeth more regularly. Brushing immediately after drinking a cup of tea can do wonders. You can drink your tea or coffee through a straw to minimize acid exposure to your teeth. Switching from black tea to lighter teas, such as herbal or green teas, can also reduce staining, though these will still contribute to yellowing over time if consumed regularly.

Smoking

Nicotine and tar, found in smoking products, are some of the worst substances for your teeth, and several studies show that tar in cigarette smoke causes discoloration.² The heat from smoking, the oxidative stress that cigarette chemicals bring on when reacting with oxygen, and the adhesion effect that smoking has on plaque are factors that further invite stains. Additionally, smoking can overwhelm your natural defenses against staining, such as saliva's protective functions, allowing staining agents to penetrate your teeth much more quickly. Quitting smoking, while not easy, will be a game-changer if you want to retain the results of teeth whitening for years to come.

Drinking wine

Red wine contains intense pigments that can stick to porous tooth enamel. Over time, these build up and appear as long-term stains. If you're on the fence about what wine pairing to choose, indulge in white wines over red wines. After drinking red wine, the sooner you brush your teeth, the more you'll reduce the amount of time that the pigments have to set in.

Inconsistent oral care

It's important to brush your teeth twice a day. Otherwise, plaque and bacteria can build up on the surface of your teeth, causing yellowing and increasing your potential for cavities and other damage. In more serious cases of neglect, poor oral hygiene can even contribute to gum disease or bone loss, sometimes requiring restorative procedures such as a dental bone graft to rebuild jaw strength and support healthy teeth. If you brush regularly, you'll be able to maintain good oral health, along with the shine and brightness you've worked hard for.

Eating highly pigmented or acidic foods

Foods like tomatoes and berries are high in pigments that adhere to enamel. They are also acidic, which can exacerbate discoloration. Acidic beverages, such as lemon juice and soda, compromise the strength of your enamel, making your teeth weaker and more susceptible to staining. Dark sauces, such as balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, are richly colored, which can also stain teeth, especially if they've already been primed with other acidic foods. By being mindful of what you eat and maintaining consistent oral care, you can protect your enamel and keep your smile bright for the long run.

Contact Information:

Name: Sonakshi Murze
Email: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com
Job Title: Manager

SOURCE: iQuanti