Foods That Can Stain Teeth

Teeth whitening has been extremely popular for some time now, with more and more people looking for ways to keep their smile from yellowing. Having white teeth can brighten up any smile, and there are tricks ranging from drugstore whitening strips to swishing coconut oil that have been suggested to whiten teeth.

While paying attention to your dental routine and using good brushing methods are the most important parts of keeping your teeth white, there are also ways you can prevent stains. For instance, there are many foods and beverages that can lead to discoloration over time that you can cut back. Here are a few teeth-staining foods and beverages to look out for:

  • Coffee, tea and soda: Your favorite morning beverages are actually some of the biggest culprits of staining teeth. This is because of their high acidity and dark color, and the frequency with which people consume them.
  • Tomato sauce: Similar to coffee, this food’s acidity levels and color can lead to staining.
  • Berries: If you’ve ever dropped a berry on your clothing, you know how much they can stain. Berries have high amounts of pigmentation that can stain your teeth as well!
  • Red wine: “Wine mouth” is real, and it can happen to your teeth as well. Made of the same tannins that are in coffee and tea, red wine has the potential to leave behind a purple-gray color on teeth.

Though these foods and beverages can potentially stain your teeth, there is no reason to cut them out completely. Paying attention to the frequency at which you consume these items can help, as well as taking measures to protect your teeth, such as consuming leafy greens and apples, which are foods that can leave a protective layer or aid in cleaning.

If you are looking for a longer-term solution to keep your teeth white, you should also consider having them professionally whitened. Vacendak Dentistry uses safe and effective methods for teeth whitening that will help your smile glow for years to come! Contact us today at (757) 609-3510 to schedule an appointment.