Scrupulous oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, as well as two professional cleanings per year, are the best way to keep your teeth white. You can also have them professionally whitened in our office or with a take-home bleaching system. To make sure your teeth stay as white as possible, though, it is important to pay attention to your diet. Here are some of the most notorious foods and beverages that cause tooth discoloration.
What Causes Teeth to Discolor?
Dark Berries
Dark berries are excellent for your health, but carry a risk of staining your teeth. Among the worst stain inducers are raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries. Fortunately, though, you don’t need to cut dark berries out of your diet. Instead, drink plenty of plain water right after consuming them or drinking their juice, and follow up with a dairy product to neutralize their acids.
Tomatoes and Citrus Fruits
Brightly colored tomatoes and citrus fruits are a beautiful and healthy addition to any meal, but they are high in acids that can erode your tooth enamel, exposing the yellow-tinged dentin. Dark green vegetables such as kale and spinach contain natural tooth protectors, so dig into a salad before consuming these items when possible. Otherwise, be sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth with plain water after enjoying a glass of orange juice or a hearty tomato sauce.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are highly satisfying, and entire cultures have developed around their preparation and consumption. However, they contain high levels of tannins, which can stain your teeth. Dairy is a natural tooth cleanser, so try adding a bit of milk to your coffee or tea. When practical, try drinking from a cup with a lid, which can keep your teeth from becoming coated. After you finish your tea or coffee, drink some plain water to rinse your mouth.
Wine
Most people are aware of the staining power of red wine, which contains tannins like coffee and tea. However, you might be unaware that white wine erodes tooth enamel like citrus foods. Alternate a glass of plain water after each glass of wine.
Curry
Curry is an incredibly popular spice in Indian cuisine, but it can gradually cause your teeth to yellow. Fortunately, many curry dishes contain natural tooth cleansers such as celery, carrots, apples, or cauliflower. Drinking milk or water with your curry dish can further help to protect your teeth.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar has an intense flavor that makes it a natural choice for vinaigrette dressings, but its dark, sticky nature can contribute to tooth staining. Thankfully, crunchy vegetables will help clean the balsamic vinegar from your teeth. Avoid totally saturating your salad, and include a wide variety of vegetables rather than just iceberg lettuce. Drink a glass of water afterwards to finish rinsing your mouth.
You don’t need to give up your favorite foods and drinks to protect your teeth from staining. Instead, practice moderation, pair products that stain with natural tooth cleansers, and drink plenty of plain water. In tandem with scrupulous oral hygiene, these simple steps can help keep your teeth looking their best.
Married dentists Chad and Alexandra Schnabel welcome you to Savannah Dental Solutions. From caring children’s dentistry to high-tech cosmetic procedures and even full-mouth reconstruction, we blend the latest technology with traditional customer-oriented values. To start your journey to better oral health, call us today at (912) 354-1366.
