Certain beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, are widely recognized for their potential to stain teeth. A recent analysis by Dr. Miles Madison, a dentist based in Beverly Hills, has shed light on which of these drinks is the most detrimental to dental aesthetics. His findings, shared with his 320,000 followers on TikTok, have sparked considerable interest.
Dr. Madison conducted an experiment over a period of ten days, immersing four teeth in four different beverages: coffee, tea, Coca-Cola, and red wine. Upon concluding the experiment, he examined the extent of staining on each tooth and expressed his astonishment at the results.
The most striking revelation came when Dr. Madison presented the tooth that had been submerged in red wine. It exhibited a profound dark red, almost black discoloration. He stated, “The red wine stained the entire tooth, affecting the enamel, the root, and everything. Red wine certainly causes the most significant staining.”
Coca-Cola also demonstrated a severe impact on the tooth, emerging completely black. Dr. Madison noted, “The Coca-Cola not only caused substantial staining but also created small cavities due to its acidic nature, which eroded the enamel and compromised some of the root structure.”
In contrast, tea was found to be the least harmful to dental health, despite causing noticeable yellowing. Dr. Madison advised that if one must choose between tea and coffee, tea is the preferable option.
To maintain the whiteness of teeth, it is crucial to avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic beverages or fruits. The acidic components can weaken the enamel, and brushing right after consumption can exacerbate this effect.
It is important to note that while yellowing of teeth is primarily an aesthetic concern, it does not necessarily indicate a dental health issue. However, if teeth begin to appear gray, it may signal a more serious health problem, warranting prompt consultation with a dentist.
To mitigate the staining effects of coffee, dental surgeon Dr. Solal Sayada recommends drinking a glass of water shortly after consumption, ideally within a few minutes.