From brightly colored fruits to acidic beverages, many foods and drinks contain pigments that can cling to tooth enamel and cause staining over time. The surprising part? Some of the biggest offenders are things people consume daily without thinking twice.
Knowing which foods and drinks often contribute to tooth staining can help you adjust your habits, or at least brush afterward, to keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter.
When you’re troubled by staining on your teeth, see Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, and the expert team at DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, for a dental checkup and cleaning — and teeth whitening when necessary.
Tooth staining can occur with dark-colored foods and drinks — the pigments in these products affect the outer surface of your tooth’s enamel. Fortunately, this type of staining is reversible or even preventable with the right oral health habits in place.
You know that coffee and red wine can stain your teeth, but they’re not the only culprits. Here are five stain-causing foods and drinks that may surprise you.
Despite the many health benefits of berries, the natural pigments found in blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and others can lead to tooth discoloration over time. Dark-colored juices made with berries or other brightly colored fruits can also stain.
But that doesn’t mean you should avoid berries. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s helpful to rinse your mouth after eating them to reduce the chance of staining.
Red wine, coffee, and colas are common causes of tooth staining. But tannins in other beverages, especially black tea, are also common culprits of tooth discoloration. Tannins can stick to your tooth enamel, leading to gradual straining over time. Adding green tea powder to drinks can also lead to discoloration.
The high acidity and intense red color of tomato sauce can cause staining. Other tomato-based products, such as ketchup, tomato soup, pizza sauce, and tomato paste, can discolor your teeth, too.
Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and other dark-colored sauces have high staining potential due to their dark pigments and acidic properties.
Often found in Indian dishes, curry blends a strong flavor with red, orange, and yellow hues that can lead to tooth discoloration. Over time, curry can give your teeth a yellowish tint if you’re not careful about keeping them clean.
Many of the foods and drinks above offer health benefits — they’re not just culprits in tooth staining. The good news is that you don’t have to avoid healthy stain-causing foods and drinks to maintain a bright smile. Consider the following simple tips for whiter teeth:
Our practice offers in-office whitening for instant and dramatic results, as well as whitening kits you can use from the comfort of home to gradually brighten your smile.
Contact us by phone or online today to book your next appointment for a dental cleaning and exam with Dr. Kakosian at DentAlign NYC.
