Foods that Stain the Teeth

Many people are in search of a brighter, whiter smile. Oftentimes, people simply feel more confident and attractive with that glistening pearly smile, a sign of youth and health. While teeth whitening treatments are increasingly common and very effective at removing stains from most people’s teeth, avoiding foods that contribute to staining can help keep them ivory longer.

The outer layer of the tooth tends to be porous, and it is even more so after a whitening treatment. Any liquid or food that is brightly or deeply colored is likely to set into the pores of the teeth. Coffee is one of the worst offenders, but black tea tends to stain teeth as well due to the tannins it contains.

Wine is also a primary offender when it comes to staining teeth. The intense colors of wine and some juices combined with the acids they contain can lead to yellowed teeth. Artificially colored drinks and soft drinks may also lead to discoloration.

Drinks are not the only staining culprits. Foods like tomato sauce, beets, and richly colored berries like blueberries can lead to staining. Soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and curry seasoning are also intensely colored foods that may tarnish teeth. Ultimately, the rule of thumb is that if a food or beverage can stain fabric, it can most likely stain teeth as well.

It is not necessary to avoid these foods entirely, but it is important to properly care for teeth to avoid stains. Try to avoid extremely cold or hot staining foods and drinks. Temperature extremes tend to open the pores on teeth, allowing stains to penetrate more quickly and deeply. After enjoying a staining treat, immediately rinse mouth with plain water.

Source: Dentist Torrance

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