Proper oral hygiene can ensure a bright smile, but you also need to watch what you eat and drink; certain foods and beverages can discolor your teeth. If you want to protect your pearly whites, read on for some common food items and drinks that stain your teeth.
Pasta Sauce
Because of its acidity, and bright red color, the tomatoes in pasta sauce can stain your teeth. Eat some veggies, such as broccoli, kale and spinach, beforehand to create a protective film over the teeth. This film will ward off the staining effect of tomatoes.
Curry
Curry, a spice that is commonly used in Indian food and exotic dishes, can cause tooth discoloration. Its deep pigmentation can yellow teeth over time. To avoid this, mix in fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, cauliflower and celery whenever you eat curry.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a healthy salad dressing, but it can also darken your teeth because of its dark color and the way it sticks to your teeth. Whenever you have a salad with balsamic vinegar, be sure to include a crunchy lettuce; chewing the lettuce will help clean the staining balsamic vinegar from your teeth as you eat.
Berries
Berries can be a healthy alternative to a sugary snack, but they can stain your teeth. The deep hue in blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and blackberries in particular can cause teeth discoloration, regardless of whether they are eaten whole, drunk as juice or processed as jelly and jam. Don’t keep them in your mouth for too long and drink water to combat their staining effect.
Candy and Sweets
If your favorite sweet, like hard candy, chewing gum, or a popsicle, makes your tongue change colors, it can also stain your teeth. We’re not saying avoid sweets altogether, just practice moderation and always brush your teeth after consuming them.
Beverages
A number of drinks, like soda, coffee, tea, wine and sports drinks can cause teeth discoloration. Teas of all colors, even white tea, can erode enamel and stain teeth. Both light and dark sodas, because of their acidity, also cause discoloration and even encourage further staining from foods. Not only can red wine stain teeth; white wine can as well. Believe it or not, white wine is more acidic than red, which may cause more damage and discoloration to the teeth.
Whiten Your Teeth
You don’t have to avoid your favorite foods and drinks altogether, just practice caution and don’t overly consume them. Moderation is key.
If your teeth are not your desired shade of white, you can schedule a teeth whitening with Snow Family Dentistry!
We offer “In-Office” and “At-Home” teeth whitening services! The in-office whitening generally takes about 90 minutes, and you will be able to see results immediately. The at-home whitening uses a custom-made tray for your teeth and a professional bleach to provide noticeable results in 10 to 14 days.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!
