How to remove coffee and tea stains from teeth

How to remove coffee and tea stains

Coffee and tea stains sit on the surface of the enamel, which makes them the easiest kind of discoloration to reduce. The American Dental Association (ADA) names two ways: brushing with a whitening toothpaste, and a professional cleaning and polishing at the dentist.

Whitening toothpastes mainly remove surface stains, usually mechanically, and some also contain bleaching ingredients; the effect depends on the formula. In a 2018 review of 21 publications, nearly all the whitening toothpastes tested reduced surface discoloration more than a regular toothpaste. A 2020 review measured an average difference of 1.80 shade-guide tabs across three studies of 1,322 people, with more side effects than a regular toothpaste.

These products act on stains, not on the tooth’s own color, which, according to the ADA, they do not change significantly. If you want a lighter shade overall, peroxide strips or trays, or whitening at the dentist, are the usual options; your dentist can tell you what suits your teeth.

References: [1] ADA · [2] ADA · [6] Soeteman et al. (2018) · [7] Devila et al. (2020)

Surface stains and tooth color are different things

Pigments from some drinks can accumulate on enamel. These are called external, or extrinsic, stains; coffee and tea stains fall into this category. Color can also come from inside the tooth, including the dentin beneath the enamel. Cleaning the surface therefore does not necessarily change a tooth’s natural shade.

The distinction is not always obvious in a mirror. “My teeth look darker” is an observation; “this morning’s coffee caused it” is an explanation. If a color change concerns you, your dentist can investigate its cause before suggesting an appropriate next step.

References: [1] ADA

Keep the brushing basics in place

France’s national health insurance (Ameli) recommends brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, using a soft-bristled brush and an appropriate fluoride toothpaste. Cleaning between teeth completes the routine. Follow your dentist’s advice on equipment and technique.

Between brushing sessions, water helps too: Cleveland Clinic advises drinking water and rinsing your mouth after a drink that stains. You don’t have to give up coffee.

References: [3] Ameli · [5] Cleveland Clinic

A drinks diary with just three columns

A note on your phone or a piece of paper is enough. Record the drink, the time and a detail about the occasion. The aim is to be able to describe an ordinary day, for example at a dental appointment.

In this example, “no sugar” and “with lunch” describe the day. Add what you remember and leave unknown details as they are. Our food guide lists the other foods and drinks that stain.

Before blaming coffee, check how the photo was taken

A pilot study of dental photography found color differences under different lighting: an image also depends on how it was taken.

For example, you record less coffee this week, then take a photo beside a window when the previous one was taken in the bathroom. Your smile looks lighter. The diary and photo are both worth keeping, but putting them together does not prove that coffee explains the difference.

With each photo, keep the date, phone and lighting setup. Record a change of room or device too. You can then look back without inventing missing details. Our checklist helps you spot these differences before placing two images side by side.

References: [4] Pundir et al.