No matter how much you brush or floss your teeth, some stains are almost impossible to remove. Even whitening procedures done by your dentist can start to fade if you continue to eat or drink foods that stain your teeth. To keep your teeth their whitest, make sure to avoid these certain foods and drinks and your bright smile will last much longer.
This might be the hardest one to avoid – black coffee. It’ll be difficult to start your morning without it, but black coffee is the worst for your teeth. The outer layers of teeth are very porous. This causes food and drinks to be absorbed into them, leaving behind whatever color they had. Black coffee immediately gets absorbed and will change the color of your teeth, giving them a gray tint or stain. If you can’t do without coffee, try adding a splash of milk or creamer. This will take away from its dark color and also add vitamin D and calcium.
If you think you can replace your coffee with tea, think again. Tea is another drink that is bad for your teeth. It contains tannins which can stain your teeth very easily. Avoid darker teas such as Earl Grey, black tea, and English breakfast. Teas such as green tea, white tea, and herbal teas are a better option because they’re lighter in color and don’t have the same staining effects.
Although good for your heart, red wine can be bad for your teeth. The darker the wine, the worse it is for your smile. On the plus side, studies have shown that wine reduces inflammation which can benefit your gums and reduce/prevent gum disease. It will still help to use some mouth wash after you drink it to reduce the staining or just try lighter colored wines.
Dark colored sodas are also a big culprit for tooth staining and several other problems. Their temperature doesn’t help much either because very extreme temperatures, hot or cold, cause teeth to contract, making them more porous and more vulnerable to stains. Their ingredients, such as phosphoric and citric acid, are very bad for tooth enamel and can wear it down over time. The sugar and sweeteners promote tooth decay. If you can avoid sodas completely, your entire mouth and body will be much healthier. If you must drink soda, use a straw to limit its negative effects.
So now you might be wondering what you can sip on when enjoying your favorite marinara pasta. Well, you might reconsider what you order because tomato sauce can stain your teeth, too. When eaten by itself over pasta, it can do more staining. You can reduce this by eating a vegetable appetizer prior to the pasta. These veggies, such as broccoli, spinach, and lettuce, form a protective film over your teeth protecting them from absorbing staining substances.
This next food is very good for you so it’s probably best to get around its staining effects rather than avoid eating it. Blueberries are very high in antioxidants which are great for your overall health, skin, and body. Unfortunately, it can stain your teeth when you eat them. Drink plenty of water while you eat them to help reduce these effects before they settle inside your teeth.
Most of these foods and drinks have many health benefits aside from their staining powers. Be cautious with how much you consume and try avoiding sodas all together. Using mouth wash will reduce their staining effects and ensure the longevity of your white smile.
