Which Drink Does the Worst to Your Teeth? A Dentist’s Experiment Spills the Truth

A woman looking at her teeth in a mirror

Credit: Envato Elements
 

Prepare to Sip Smarter After These Jaw-Dropping Results!

We all love a good cup of coffee, a refreshing soda, or a glass of wine after a long day. But have you ever wondered what these popular drinks do to your teeth? Dr. Miles Madison, a Beverly Hills dentist (and self-proclaimed “gumfather”), decided to tackle this question head-on, and the results? Let’s just say you might rethink your next sip.

The Experiment

Dr. Madison took four extracted teeth (don’t worry, no live subjects were harmed!) and soaked them in coffee, tea, Coke, and red wine for 10 days. The results were nothing short of shocking—and they’re causing quite a buzz online.

@drmilesmadison

Which drink stains teeth the most? Coffee, tea, red wine, or soda? The results might surprise you! 🍷☕ Curious about the next contenders? Let me know which 4 drinks you’d like me to test next! Drop your suggestions in the comments! 🦷✨ #TeethWhitening #SmileCare #DentalTips #OralHealthMatters #StainFighters HealthySmile”

♬ Brother Louie Mix ’98 (feat. Eric Singleton) (Radio Edit) – Modern Talking

What Did the Drinks Do?

  • Red Wine: This fan-favorite wasn’t so kind to teeth. It turned the enamel, the root, and the entire tooth a deep, shocking purple. Dr. Madison dubbed red wine the worst offender for staining.
  • Coca-Cola: The fizzy drink didn’t just stain the tooth—it went further. Its acidity created small pits in the enamel, making the tooth look darker and more damaged.
  • Coffee: Coffee stained the tooth significantly, especially the root, which lacks the protective mineral content of enamel. The crown turned yellow, and the root darkened to a deep brown.
  • Tea: Surprisingly, tea was the gentlest of the group. While it did cause some staining, it was much lighter than coffee and didn’t leave the dramatic discoloration seen with red wine or Coke.

What Does This Mean for You?

Dr. Madison’s experiment doesn’t exactly mirror real life—you’re not soaking your teeth in these drinks for days—but it does highlight how these beverages can stain teeth over time.

Here’s what you can do to keep your smile sparkling:

  1. Brush Smart: Wait 30 minutes after consuming acidic drinks to brush your teeth. This gives your enamel time to recover from the acid attack.
  2. Drink Water: Rinse your mouth with water after enjoying coffee, tea, or wine to minimize staining.
  3. Go for Regular Checkups: Your dentist can help remove surface stains and keep your teeth healthy.

Stains Aren’t Always Scary

While discoloration is mostly a cosmetic issue, some changes in tooth color can signal problems. For example, grey teeth may indicate nerve damage and should be checked by a dentist.

So, next time you raise a glass of wine, sip your coffee, or crack open a soda, just remember what it might be doing to your pearly whites. And if you’re feeling guilty? Maybe throw in an extra glass of water—you know, just for balance!