Foods That Stain Your Teeth

If you regularly consume tea, caffeine, or wine, you might know the yellowing and staining effect of these food items on your teeth. Not just these, there are many other bad foods for teeth that can cause staining or discolouration. You don’t have to cut these types of food and drink out of your diet completely, but limiting them will reduce the yellowing and staining effect on your teeth.

What causes tooth stains?

Chromogens are chemical compounds that give certain foods and drink their pigment that can stain our teeth. Tannin can also make your teeth look yellow and stained. A few acids present in your food items can also wear down your teeth.

What foods stain teeth?

Here are some of the foods and beverages that cause teeth staining:

• Tea and coffee – Caffeine and tannins are both responsible for staining your pearly whites.
• Red wine – Who doesn’t love enjoying an occasional glass of red wine, but regular consumption can cause teeth staining and yellowing.
• Cola – The dark carbonated drink will wear away at your teeth whiter layer, hence, causing staining and yellowing.
• Fruit juices – You should limit consuming grape juices like cranberry and blueberry because they can stain your teeth.
• Tomato-based sauces – Tomatoes have deep red pigment that can cause teeth staining.
• Curry – Curry usually has turmeric that can make your teeth look yellow.
• Balsamic vinegar – You might enjoy it in your salad dressing, but its deep pigmentation can stain your pearly whites.
• Soy sauce – The dark pigment in soy sauce can linger on your teeth long after your meal is finished, causing staining.
• Berries – It’s not harmful to have a handful of berries for good health, but too much consumption will affect your teeth.
• Beetroot – Beetroot has many health benefits, but it can also stain your teeth.

How to keep your teeth white?

Besides reducing the consumption of these food items, it’s crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene for whiter teeth. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth sparkling white:

• Look for alternatives – Substitute your regular cup of tea for a light herbal tea that helps you maintain health and doesn’t cause teeth staining.
• Rinse your mouth – Every time you eat or drink something with strong pigment, rinse your mouth with water to avoid the pigment staying in your teeth for long.
• Chewing gum – Chew gums and mints that contain xylitol. It can help to stimulate more saliva, which cleanses your mouth.
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables – Consume a lot of apples, carrots and celery. These food items boost saliva and scrub your teeth.
• Regular brushing – Brush your teeth twice a day with mild toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss.

Teeth stain removal treatment

Consult your dentist for professional teeth stain removal treatments. They may recommend Sydney teeth whitening products that you can use at home. If the stains on your teeth are intense, they might suggest you go for a professional cleaning or teeth whitening treatment.