Many people covet a bright and healthy-looking smile, which is why so many people pride themselves on their straight, white teeth. This is also why using good oral care products is an important part of your daily routine.
But did you know that your daily cup of coffee or your favorite spaghetti dish might be staining your teeth?
Read on to learn more about what everyday foods stain your teeth and what to do about it.
Common Foods That Stain Your Teeth
There are many foods that have the potential to stain your teeth. Things like tomatoes, spices, and berries all have the potential to cause stains or erode enamel which can make your teeth more susceptible to stains.
Berries
Foods with dark-coloured juices like blueberries, blackberries, and grape juice can stain your teeth as the dark pigments adhere to the enamel.
Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomatoes are infamous for staining the insides of Tupperware, and your teeth are no different. The color and acidity of tomato-based pasta sauces and ketchup could be staining your teeth.
Curry
Curry is another culprit for stained teeth. Many curries contain turmeric – a spice related to ginger with a bright yellow hue – which stains almost anything it comes into contact with. This pigment can cling to tooth enamel and discolor it.
Citrus
While they might not directly stain your teeth, the high acidity from citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits can erode your enamel, making it more susceptible to stains.
Sweets and Candy
Hard candies, gummies, and lollipops can also cause teeth stains. Bright colors in the candies can stain your teeth and sticky gummy candy can remain on your teeth for too long, exposing your teeth to staining agents for longer.
What Drinks Stain Your Teeth?
Whether it’s a pick-me-up after a long day or a coffee to put a pep in your step, the right beverage can really hit the spot. But unfortunately, they can also stain your teeth. You don’t have to completely cut out your favorite drinks, but knowing which ones can increase your risk of discolored teeth can help you take precautions.
Coffee
Coffee is a big culprit when it comes to tooth-staining drinks. The tannins in the coffee can cause your teeth to stain yellow or brown. Using a teeth whitening foam daily can help remove stains from coffee consumption and tobacco use.
Tea
Tea is another drink that can cause teeth stains thanks to the tannins. Green, black, and herbal teas can all cause staining which can be as potent in these brews as they can be in coffee.
Red Wine
Just like coffee and tea, red wine also contains those dreaded tannins. It also has a mix of natural dyes and acids. The acid can erode your tooth’s enamel, leaving it vulnerable to staining.
Soda and Cola
Soda, particularly cola, has both a high level of acidity and colorings which can erode enamel and stain teeth. The same goes for both regular and diet sodas so it’s best to limit the amount you drink.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Stain in Your Teeth
Drinking Through a Straw
Instead of drinking from a glass which can expose your front teeth to whatever you’re drinking and potentially cause staining. Instead, sip your drinks through a straw to minimize the amount of contact with your teeth. Sodas, coffee, and wine all benefit from this method the most.
Rinsing with Water
After you’ve eaten or drunk anything, it’s good practice to rinse your mouth with water to help prevent pigments from settling on your teeth and staining them. Try not to brush your teeth immediately after eating though, especially if you ate or drank something acidic like orange juice or tomatoes as this can leave your enamel more vulnerable to staining. Simply rinsing your mouth with clean water should be enough.
Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Taking care to follow good oral hygiene practices is vital for the health of your teeth and gums and also remove staining. You should brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily. Consider using whitening toothpaste and ensure you attend regular dental cleaning appointments to keep your pearly whites white.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t difficult to do but is important for keeping your smile bright. Avoid drinking too much coffee, drink your beverages through a straw to limit contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth after meals to help reduce teeth staining. Check out Swissklip’s range of oral care products to help keep your teeth clean, healthy, and white.
