White teeth look good and provide you with the confidence to smile and be your authentic self, but it can be quite a challenge to keep your teeth as white as they appear after bleaching. So, what types of food and drink cause your teeth to experience staining? In this blog we will identify and explain common culprits.
- Coffee
Your morning brew may be leading to dark staining on your teeth. Coffee contains tannins, a compound that causes color to stick to the surface of teeth.
- Tea
Tea is delicious and easy to make, but it also contains stain-causing tannins. However, studies have found that adding milk to your tea reduces the stain potential. Try this method out and see the difference it makes for your teeth!
- Red Wine
Who doesn’t love a chilled glass of wine some evenings? Unfortunately, the acidity of red wine opens pores within the enamel of your teeth leading color to become etched into the tooth surface.
- Berries and Fruit Juice
While consuming a moderate amount of fruits is good for your health, dark berries such as blueberries and blackberries have pigmentation that causes staining. The same can be said of darkly pigmented fruit juices.
- Pop
Regular consumption of sugar-laden pops end in discoloration due to the erosion of enamel. Enamel erosion allows further dentin, which is darker and more yellow than enamel, to show.
- Energy Drinks
We all know energy drinks are not good for your health, but did you know they also can cause dramatic staining of your teeth? Like pop, energy drinks are associated with enamel erosion which leads to staining.
- Tomato Sauce
Tomato-based sauces are brightly colored and have high acidity. You might want to think twice before frequent consumption of pizza and pasta.
- Soy Sauce and Balsamic Dressings
Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar are darkly-pigmented thus causing staining. Work to consume these toppings in small amounts and as infrequently as possible.
- Sweets and Candy
Let’s face it, sweets are delicious and are appropriate to eat in moderation. However, hard and gummy-type candy contains dyes that settle on your enamel. The same can be said of chocolate.
What Can You Do to Prevent Staining?
The most efficient way to reduce the amount of staining to your teeth is to lower your intake of stain culprits such as those listed above, as well as maintain proper oral hygiene. Make it a point to brush and floss following consumption of food and drink that results in discoloration. If you are unable to actively reach your toothbrush, swishing water around the mouth is an effective practice as well. Drinking through a straw is also recommended as it prevents liquid from touching your teeth.
No one wants their teeth to appear yellow and stained, however some discoloration is bound to occur with age and general wear and tear. If you are concerned with the appearance of your teeth we recommend making an appointment with our office.
