Seven foods that stain your teeth

Your teeth are one of the first things that people notice when they talk to you and the colour of your teeth can affect the way people perceive your appearance, both in your personal and professional life.

At Valley Dental Practice, we are committed to helping you restore a healthy and attractive smile. If you are curious which foods to take note of, check out this list of foods that could be staining your pearly whites.

What causes tooth stains?

Certain foods and drinks get their strong colour from special chemical compounds called “chromogens.” Others contain a substance called “tannin,” which can also make your teeth much more likely to stain. In addition, acids can wear down the teeth enamel, increasing the chance of staining.

As a rule of thumb, if a certain food is likely to stain your clothes or tablecloth, it is one of the foods that stain teeth as well.

Common Foods and Drinks That Stain Teeth the Most

We have compiled a list of the most common foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.

However, it is important to note that some of them also contain vitamins and minerals, which offer a variety of health benefits. The good news is that you do not necessarily have to cut all of these foods out of your diet – especially if you do not consume them very often. However, if you notice that you have a specific food or drink on a regular basis, and it causes noticeable teeth staining, you can try cutting down on it.

1. Berries and Fruits

Vibrant berries and fruits, such as blueberries, cranberries, cherries, and pomegranate are great for your health, but they can stain your teeth.

Even though they contain flavonoids, antioxidants, and anthocyanins, they also include potent pigments that can dye anything they come into contact with. These pigments can get trapped at the surface of your teeth, eventually changing their natural white colour. So, try to limit the amount of berry consumption and rinse your mouth immediately after to achieve a whiter smile.

2. Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea contain tannins that are linked to the discolouration of your teeth. And when it comes to tea, different types of tea turn your teeth different hues. For example, green teas discolour teeth with a greyish hue, and black tea turns teeth more yellow.

3. Pasta Sauce

Tomato-based sources that are dark red in colour can also leave your teeth vulnerable to staining. The acids from the tomato sauce cause your enamel to become more porous, making it more susceptible to tarnishing. The combination of the dark red colour and acidity creates a double attack on your teeth. It is a good idea to avoid dark-colour soy sauce as well.

4. Red and White Wine

Sure, you have heard that red wine can discolour your teeth, but light-coloured white wine can also influence staining, just in a different way. Where red wine’s staining abilities come from the dark tannins that turn teeth to shades of a purple-grey, white wine has increased acid content that can erode and etch away at your enamel. Some experts believe that the acid can create pockets on the surface that allows other staining substances to leach deeper, wreaking havoc on your white teeth.

5. Sports and Energy Drinks

Highly acidic foods and drinks have a negative impact on your teeth. Energy and sports drinks can erode the protective coat of enamel, setting the stage for stains. Instead, try to drink clean water during workouts.

6. Coca Cola and Other Carbonated Drinks

Looking for a reason to cut back on carbonated drinks? Thanks to dyes and acids, these drinks can cause some serious stains. In addition, the chemicals used to add flavour can also erode your enamel.

7. Sweets

If your favourite sweet, like chewing gum, candy, or a lollipop, turns your tongue a different colour, it can also easily stain your teeth. Luckily, unless you eat these goodies on a daily basis, they probably will not cause too much damage.

What Can You Do to Prevent Staining?

Even though some factors that can stain teeth are out of your control, it is possible to minimize staining with a few at-home tips.

Stain Prevention Tips

• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming foods that stain teeth. If you have consumed acidic food or drinks, it is best to refrain from bruising your teeth for 30 minutes after. Instead, you can rinse your mouth with water to wash some of the staining substance away.
• Cut back on the biggest culprits. While you do not have to refrain from consuming foods and drinks that stain teeth completely, it may be a good idea to reduce the frequency to help minimize tooth discolouration.
• Drink through a straw. When drinking tea, coffee, dark-coloured fruit juices, sodas, or sports drinks, try using a straw. This can help to prevent the tooth staining liquid from contacting your teeth.
• Try a professional teeth whitening treatment.

Restore A White Smile With Valley Dental Practice

You do not have to give up your favourite foods that stain teeth for good, just remember that moderation is key to keep your teeth white! Regular teeth brushing, flossing, and scheduled check-ups with your dentist will also ensure that your teeth remain the bright white colour you want them to be.

If you would like to find out more about professional teeth whitening at Valley Dental Practice, contact us today on 01255 220322.