Watch What You Eat: Foods and Drinks That Can Stain Your Teeth

Most of us want a bright and dazzling smile, but many of our favorite foods and drinks can wreak havoc on our pearly whites. It’s a known fact that certain foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, and tea can discolor and stain our teeth. Knowing what to avoid or limit can help preserve your smile’s sparkle. Read on to learn more about the foods and drinks that are most likely to stain your teeth and what you can do to minimize their impact.

Coffee:

If you’re among the millions of caffeine lovers out there, we have bad news. Coffee is notorious for staining teeth, especially if you drink it every day. The dark color and acidity of coffee can wear down your enamel and darkens your teeth over time. However, switching to iced coffee or adding milk or creamer to lighten the color avoids direct contact with the teeth, and using a straw to sip the coffee will also help limit the amount it will retouch your teeth.

Red Wine:

The deep red color of a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is a source of joy for many, especially wine connoisseurs. But, alas, the same chemical pigments in red wine that make drinking it such a blissful experience can leave your teeth purple. Red wine is acidic and can penetrate through your teeth’s pores. Consequently, it’s best to rinse with water after drinking red wine or switching to sipping white wine instead, as it has less pigmentation, can save your teeth from discoloration.

Sodas:

Sodas are refreshing, but they are also sugar-laden and acidic. The acidity in sodas erodes tooth enamel, making your teeth more prone to yellowing and cavities. Even artificially sweetened sodas can harm your teeth as the acidic nature of sodas and carbonated drinks weaken and wear away teeth. Instead, switch to sparkling water with a hint of lime or lemon to curb your cravings.

Sauces:

Sauces such as soy sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, and even balsamic vinegar, which are often drizzled on our meals to add flavor, can make our teeth look ugly. These sauces are very dark in color and rich in staining compounds that can penetrate your teeth enamel and generate permanent stains. Alas, it’s best to eat lighter, avoiding the sauces and choosing seasonings like ginger, garlic, and herbs instead.

Berries and Fruits:

Berries are high in color pigments that can quickly stain your teeth. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are some of the worst offenders when it comes to staining teeth. But, fruits such as apples and pears not only are healthier for you but also help scrub away teeth stains naturally.

In conclusion, maintaining great oral hygiene is about making smart dietary decisions as well as brushing and flossing regularly. Knowing what drinks and foods can stain your teeth helps you avoid them and take better care of your teeth. Always remember to brush after a meal and rinse your mouth with water, chew sugar-free gum or even a piece of cheese after consuming such food items, which will stop the bacteria found in the mouth from sticking to your teeth, and keep your teeth healthy.