13 of Your Favorite Food Choices You Didn’t Know Were Staining Your Teeth
Nothing quite catches your eye like a bright, white smile!
From lifted confidence to better dentist checkups, keeping your pearly whites healthy can have tangible, positive effects on your everyday life.
If you’re on a quest for a beaming smile and want to avoid taking drastic measures to get there, take note of these stain-causing foods.
1. Berries
We love berries but have some bad news when it comes to your beauty goals. Due to their darker hues, berries may actually cause staining of the teeth when eaten regularly. To fight against the stains, consider brushing right after you enjoy your berries.
2. Coffee
If your teeth have been looking a bit dull lately, that latte might very well be the reason why. Coffee contains acidic polyphenols called tannins that can lead to staining and discoloration.
3. Tea
Tea can have stain-causing tannins just like coffee. Plus, the frequency of you sipping on that brew matters, too. If you’re constantly sipping on coffee or tea throughout the day, you’re more prone to discoloration and acid attacks on your teeth.
4. Red Wine
Those same troublesome tannins exist in your favorite glass of vino, too. Pair your glass of Pinot Noir with a handful of almonds to help counteract staining.
5. Curry
Spices may take your tastebuds for a ride, those same flavorings may also tint your teeth, thanks to their deep pigmentation. The best way to prevent staining here is to make curry an “every once in awhile” treat; your still-glowing teeth will thank you.
6. Hard Candies
Hard candies like Jolly ranchers might be one of the worst foods for your teeth. Their stickiness can get stuck between your teeth and become a major feeding ground for bacteria, which can release acid that leads to tooth decay.
7. Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti and meatballs may have made their way into the regular dinner rotation, but if you’re at all concerned about the color of your teeth, you may want to reconsider. How often you eat something has the greatest effect on your teeth, rather than what you’re actually eating.
8. Cherry Juice
All fruit juice puts your teeth at risk of discoloration, especially when the fruits are richly pigmented like cherries or berries. Not to mention, fruit juice is often stacked high in sugar, which can act as a breeding site for bacteria in your mouth and lead to more dental damage and discoloration.
9. Soda
Whether it’s a full-sugar soda or a diet version, it doesn’t matter; this bubbly beverage is considered acidic to the body and, as a result, is damaging to your dental health.
10. Balsamic Vinegar
Salads are a great way to fill your diet up with fresh produce–but that pour of balsamic may do a number on your teeth. Not only is balsamic dark in color, but it’s rather sticky and will latch onto teeth, which can lead to staining if it’s not brushed away soon after eating.
11. Beets
Whether you enjoy them in your morning veggie juice or consume them whole, beets can be incredibly staining to the teeth. The most important action you can take against them is to brush your teeth shortly after eating. Alternatively, you can also try pairing them with foods that are less damaging to your mouth—like cheese!
12. Ice Pops
Popsicles may be lower in calories than other dessert options—but due to their sugar content and fruit juice base, they may steal the radiance from your smile. If you need something to curb your sweet tooth and occupy your mouth, chewing on some sugarless bubble gum can help.
13. Lemon
Citrus fruits like lemon or lime are highly acidic and can erode the enamel on your teeth—in turn, revealing yellow tissue below the surface.
www.HealthBiteCenter.COM
