Top Food and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth
Are you looking for the newest craze to get your morning started and keep your smile bright? Enter: Colorless coffee! With the recent introduction of this caffeinated wonder, coffee lovers are rejoicing without the worry of their “morning joe” staining their teeth. With a solution such as colorless coffee in our midst we wanted to provide a guide of the top offenders of food and beverage that contribute to the staining of your teeth.
What foods stain your teeth?
Below we have list the top 5 foods you’ll want to avoid if you worry about staining your teeth (spoiler alert, coffee is one of the worst):
- Coffee (and tea and soda). Tooth enamel, although seemingly smooth, is actually made of many small ridges and cracks. Beverages with dark pigments can become trapped in those ridges and cause permanent staining to your teeth.
- Red wine. Red wine contains chromogens which is partially where the red pigment comes from. It is also very acidic which increases enamel erosion. Tannins in red wine also encourage the chromogens to latch on and discolor teeth.
- Berries of any variety are acidic and also contain chromogens which can discolor teeth.
- That delicious marinara on your pasta? Tomato sauce, we regret to report, is highly saturated in color and very acidic.
- We don’t mean to ruin your entire dinner but, balsamic vinegar is also high in acidity and the dark color has potential to stain your teeth.
What are some ways you can prevent staining and still enjoy your favorite food and beverages?
- Certain fruits and vegetables before meals can help provide a protective film over teeth and discourage staining. Dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale as well as apples and pears can help combat stains.
- Drink water and rinse your mouth out or brush within a half hour of eating.
- Calcium-rich foods can strengthen teeth and neutralize acid.
- Stains cling to a film of plaque that builds on your teeth so brushing and flossing before meals can help prevent those stains from sticking around.
- Don’t brush too soon after an acidic drink or meal, you can damage the enamel on the teeth. It is best to wait around 30 minutes after eating.
Already have stains on your teeth that you want to get rid of?
Request an appointment with us today by using our secure online portal or by calling any of our 4 convenient locations. (Town & Country) 813-885-6969, (Lutz) 813-949-6969, (Carrollwood) 813-969-6969, (Odessa) 813-440-6869.