Have you started to notice a yellowish tint to your teeth? Or are there even darker stains plaguing your smile? Despite brushing dutifully, you might still find yourself without sparkling white teeth. This can be due to a variety of foods and drinks you consume. In this post, your dentist lists the most common foods that stain teeth and how teeth whitening can help counteract their effects.
Which Foods Stain Teeth?
The outer layer of your teeth is very porous and absorbs the foods and drinks you consume. This can lead to stained teeth, even with the healthiest of diets.
Foods
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can turn your teeth yellow. Darker berries including blueberries, blackberries and pomegranates pose a serious stain risk with their rich pigments. Beets can also damage your smile. Candy leaves you at risk of cavities and tooth decay, which can add dark spots to your teeth. If a popsicle stains your mouth, it can also stain your teeth. Sauces like soy and tomato can stain your teeth, as well as that balsamic vinegar that you add to your salad. Curry will also yellow your smile.
Drinks
Coffee is notorious for staining teeth. The blacker the brew, the worse it can be, so try adding a splash of milk. However, tea may not be a much better alternative. Darker brews such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey can also cause serious stains. Most red wines will stain, but lighter vinos can as well. Dark sodas, including diet, will also harm your smile with their sugar content. Sports drinks are just as bad and should be avoided. Fruit juices like pomegranate and cranberry should be swapped with lighter colored options.
How Can You Fight Stains?
If your smile has already been damaged by stains, don’t worry! There are multiple ways your dentist can help brighten your smile. You can choose between in-office or at home treatments.
In-office teeth whitening can whiten your teeth by ten shades in just 20 to 40 minutes. Your dentist will use LED lights to deliver your dream smile without any discomfort. Faster and less powerful options are also available for simple touch ups.
If you prefer a more flexible schedule, you can take your treatment home with teeth whitening trays. Your dentist will design custom-made trays to best brighten your smile. All you need to do is add the whitening solution and wear your trays for a few hours a day. You may see a difference after just one use and can enjoy complete results within two weeks!
Knowing that your favorite foods can stain your teeth shouldn’t mean that you have to cut them out of your diet completely. Brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth out with water after consuming these foods to wash away the threat of stains.
About the Author
Dr. Dennis Stansbury has almost 50 years of experience in dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Texas Dental Association. If you have further questions about what can stain your teeth, he can be reached through his website or at 903-561-1122.