From swapping coffee for matcha to drinking fruit-infused water, some of our healthiest lifestyle choices could be doing more harm to our smiles than we realise
We are becoming increasingly conscious of what we put into our bodies, from cutting back on caffeine and sugar to choosing antioxidant-rich smoothies and functional drinks. But while these everyday swaps might be better for our general wellbeing, they could be having an unexpected effect on our teeth.
Almost three in ten UK adults say they have felt self-conscious about their teeth over the past year, with 12% admitting they avoid smiling or laughing because of it. And as more people look for ways to protect their smiles, many are surprised to discover that some of the drinks they have adopted as healthier alternatives can actually cause more staining than their old favourites.
With Britons drinking around 100 million cups of tea every day and matcha appearing on the menus of major coffee chains, it seems our relationship with hot drinks is changing. But according to Arif Al-Suwaidi, Co-Founder and CEO of Zental Dental Clinic, there are four seemingly healthy habits that could be taking their toll on the appearance and health of our teeth.
1. Swapping coffee for tea and matcha
Giving up coffee in favour of tea might seem like a sensible move if you are trying to keep your teeth white. However, black tea, green tea and matcha all contain tannins – naturally occurring compounds responsible for their flavour and colour, which also make it easier for stains to cling to tooth enamel.
In fact, tea can be particularly stubborn when it comes to staining, with some laboratory tests suggesting that tea deposits can be harder to remove than those left by other popular drinks.
The dentist's advice: Rather than sipping tea throughout the morning, try finishing your cup within ten minutes. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help wash away staining compounds. Adding a little milk may also help reduce staining by binding some of the tannins.
2. Starting the day with a berry smoothie
A colourful berry smoothie might look like the perfect healthy breakfast, but blending fruit into a drink can increase the amount of time your teeth are exposed to its natural sugars, pigments and acids.
Dark fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries and pomegranates contain strong natural pigments that can contribute to discolouration. Many fruit smoothies are also acidic, which can temporarily soften tooth enamel and make it more vulnerable to staining.
Eating the same fruit whole is often a better option. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralise acids and naturally clear food particles from the mouth.
The dentist's advice: Whenever possible, enjoy your fruit whole and alongside a meal. If smoothies are part of your morning routine, try adding plain yoghurt or milk to help reduce their acidity, and avoid sipping them over an extended period.
3. Choosing functional drinks and colourful lattes
Functional drinks have become something of a wellness phenomenon, with golden turmeric lattes and vibrant pink beetroot drinks now regular fixtures on café menus. While these ingredients may offer nutritional benefits, their intense natural pigments can also leave their mark on your teeth.
Turmeric and beetroot contain particularly powerful colour compounds, the same pigments that can leave stubborn stains on kitchen chopping boards. Regular exposure can contribute to surface discolouration, particularly if these drinks are consumed frequently.
The dentist's advice: Rinse your mouth with water after drinking strongly coloured beverages. Maintain a consistent brushing routine to help remove surface stains, but avoid brushing immediately after acidic drinks. And resist the temptation to use turmeric paste as a DIY teeth-whitening treatment.
4. Drinking fruit-infused water throughout the day
Fruit-infused water is often seen as the ultimate healthy hydration habit. Adding lemon, lime or berries can make drinking water more appealing, but there is a downside if you are constantly sipping it.
Citrus fruits are naturally acidic, and adding them to water can significantly lower its pH. Lemon-infused water, for example, can reach a pH of around 3, compared with the pH of 5.5 at which tooth enamel can begin to dissolve.
Repeated exposure to acid can gradually erode enamel, making teeth appear more yellow as the naturally darker dentine underneath becomes increasingly visible. Unlike surface staining, this is not simply a matter of colour sitting on the teeth; it is a change to the protective outer layer itself.
The dentist's advice: Alternate fruit-infused water with plain water throughout the day to reduce acid exposure. Try to drink acidic beverages in one sitting rather than continually sipping them, and always wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth afterwards to avoid damaging softened enamel.
A healthier smile starts with the small things
Looking after your teeth does not mean giving up every healthy drink or favourite morning ritual. It is about understanding how everyday choices affect your oral health and making a few simple adjustments. From enjoying your berries whole to alternating your lemon water with plain water, small changes can make a meaningful difference. After all, a healthy lifestyle should make you feel good, and that includes feeling confident enough to smile.
For more information: https://www.zental.uk/
