Do you want to know the secret to a whiter smile? The biggest contributors to teeth discoloration come in the form of intensely colored foods and drinks.
The same dyes found in nature and used in processed foods changes the coloring of the enamel on your teeth by exposing your teeth to dyes.
Whiten Your Smile
The best way to whiten your smile is with good daily oral hygiene routines. Twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and professional teeth whitening procedures can help you maintain a bright smile.
But you can make the effects of teeth bleaching whitening treatments last longer by carefully monitoring your food choices and behaviors. Here are 10 everyday foods and habits that can discolor your teeth.
3 Bad Habits that Stain Your Teeth
Many preventable and avoidable bad habits can cause discoloration to your teeth. Do your best to eliminate exposure to these unhealthy products.
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Neglecting oral hygiene
Beverages and Foods that Stain Teeth
If a food or beverage stains a white tablecloth, it could potentially stain your teeth. The presence of pigments called chromogens is responsible. Foods containing tannins enhance the stain-producing abilities of chromogens, and foods with high acid content contribute by weakening enamel and making it more vulnerable.
1. Red Wine
Red wine contains acid, chromogens, and tannins, and it is notorious for staining teeth. White wine, although it is not a colored liquid, also promotes staining.
2. Sugary Treats
Hard candies, popsicles, and gum often contain strong pigments that cause stains.
3. Sports Drinks
Acidic sports drinks soften tooth enamel, and promote staining caused by other foods.
4. Sauces
Deeply colored sauces such as tomato-based sauces, soy sauce, and curry sauce have tooth-staining potential.
5. Fruit
Brightly colored berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries easily stain teeth.
6. Soda, Cola and Pop
Cola drinks contain acid and chromogens. Light-colored carbonated drinks also promote stains because of their acidity.
7. Black Tea
Black tea is rich in tannins, and it is considered to cause staining even more aggressively than coffee. Herbal, green, and white teas are less likely to stain teeth.
4 Tips for Avoiding Teeth Stains
Many stain-causing foods offer great health benefits, so you don’t want to avoid them entirely. Moderation is key to limiting tooth discoloration due to foods and beverages. Here are a few tips to help you protect your teeth while enjoying healthy foods that can leave stains.
- Swallow the food or liquid as quickly as possible; don’t let it linger inside your mouth.
- Drink through a straw to minimize contact with tooth-staining beverages.
- Swish your mouth with water after consuming foods that stain teeth.
- Chew sugarless gum after eating or drinking.
Improve Your Smile in Naples
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny uses a variety of dental services and techniques to provide the very best results for your individual circumstances.
His artistic abilities and experience with cosmetic dentistry along with his use of the finest materials and products combine to create a healthy, natural looking, spectacular smile.
Contact our dental office in Collier County area today to learn more about the dental options available to you.
Isn’t it time to look younger and feel better? If you don’t like your smile, come see Dr. Jeffrey Skupny, conveniently located in Collier County, Florida.