Nothing ruins a bright, white shirt like some stains. Same goes for your pearly whites! Your teeth can be straight and your smile on point, but discolored teeth will draw attention, and not the kind you want. Staining can happen naturally over time as we age, but there are certain foods and drinks that can make stains even worse.
The Staining Culprits
Balsamic Vinegar: Dark, sticky, and acidic – triple threat! A healthy alternative to most creamy dressings and sauces, balsamic vinegar can stick to teeth and turn them dark. Consider stirring balsamic vinegar well into food or mixing it with some olive oil to tone it down.
Beets: You can’t beat the health benefits of beets! Their nutrients are worth it, but just know that you might be caught red-handed and -mouthed. Beets stain basically everything they come into contact with. Rinsing your mouth might not be enough, so be sure to brush shortly after eating these red beauties.
Berries: Be “berry” careful when consuming blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc. Although full of antioxidants with amazing health benefits, berries are known for turning your lips and teeth blue. Eating berries with other foods such as yogurt can help cut down on the staining. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly and eating berries.
Coffee: The lifeline that gets us through a long day... Coffee has its perks but drinking too much is one of the most common ways to stain your teeth. Since tooth enamel is porous, it absorbs liquids and is susceptible to staining. Try a splash of creamer or milk to lighten the load. Plus, the calcium in dairy is good for your teeth. Another tip – try not to sip all day. It’s tempting to savor that iced latte over the duration of the afternoon, but prolonged sipping increases the risk of staining.
Juice: Often marketed as “healthy” or “all-natural”, juice can contain just as much sugar as soda. Dark juices such as cranberry, grape, cherry, and pomegranate are no match for white teeth. If you must drink juice, choose apple or white-grape, and look for reduced-sugar options.
Popsicles: The staple of a childhood summer, popsicles are a refreshing way to chill out and hydrate. Most store-bought popsicles are filled with sugar, corn syrup, and many not so natural ingredients. Try making homemade popsicles. It’s a fun and healthy way to stay cool, and the options for flavors are endless.
Soda: This fizzy beverage is loaded with acid and sugar. Have you ever seen a coin erode in a cup of Coke? If not, then Google it. Just imagine what soda can do to your teeth. If you crave the carbonation, opt light-colored sodas like Sprite or Ginger Ale, or better yet, grab some seltzer water and save on the sugar. Aside from damaging your smile, soda is empty calories that can wreak havoc on your waistline by causing you to pack on the pounds.
Soy Sauce: Sushi’s best friend can stain your teeth. Soy sauce is a flavorful condiment, but it’s a highly concentrated and dark liquid that can basically tan your teeth. Keep in mind that soy sauce’s high sodium content will not help your blood pressure. Enjoy your sushi, but don’t get too saucy. Choose the low sodium version and use sparely.
Tea: Tea can tint your teeth. It can be even worse than coffee with the heavy dose of tannins. Black tea is the toughest on teeth, but there’s a wide variety of tea to choose from, many of which contain health benefits. Consider drinking black tea in moderation by swapping for an occasional cup of green or white tea.
Tobacco: Technically not a food, but some people chew, dip, and smoke more frequently than they eat, so here’s PSA – tobacco stains your teeth! Some smokers typically can’t hide their habit because of their yellow/brownish choppers. All in all, there are just no good side effects of tobacco use.
Tomato sauce: From pizza to pasta to ketchup, tomatoes make our food extra yummy. Highly acidic but undeniably delicious, tomato sauce is super acidic and can give your teeth an orangey hue. Tip – eat your salad before slurping up your spaghetti because the lettuce can help coat your teeth to protect against stains.
Wine: You’ve been warned… If you drink wine, no whining about stained teeth. Red, red wine might make you feel so fine, but it will stain your teeth a deep shade of merlot. Most people think of red wine as the bad guy, but white wine is no better. Research says white contains higher levels of acid, which can make staining even worse. What a buzzkill!
So now you know what foods and drinks can discolor your teeth. Rule of thumb (or, tongue)…if it stains your tongue, it will stain your teeth too. If you have stubborn stains that can’t be removed with rinsing, brushing, and flossing, then consider whitening your teeth. There are many at-home options, but your best is professional whitening treatment at the dentist.
If you are interested in our teeth whitening solutions, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.