Proper oral hygiene is quite inevitable for maintaining healthy, white teeth and a bright smile. But, in spite of following an oral care regimen, many people tend to lose their beautiful, white smile. Teeth staining can occur due to a variety of reasons including aging, medication, and consumption of certain foods and drinks. Diet is a vital aspect of maintaining good oral hygiene and a confident smile. In this article, we’ll list some foods that stain teeth.
There’s no doubt that that fruits are healthy. But, certain fruits that contain citric acid and teeth coloring components can erode your enamel and expose the dentin, resulting in teeth staining. Berries like blackberries and raspberries have a high content of chromogens that are pigment-producing substances. Chromogens are also found in fruits like cherries, grapes, oranges, and limes. Plus, fruits like oranges and lime also contain citric acid. These elements stick to your enamel, resulting in an acidic reaction with bacteria leading to staining of your teeth. You cannot avoid them, but make sure to rinse your mouth after eating any of these fruits.
Resisting ketchup with patties, burgers, and fried eggs is quite hard, but the fact is that all tomato-based sauces stain your teeth. Tomatoes are brightly colored and also acidic in nature. Overconsumption of this food combined with poor oral hygiene can cause staining. Reduce your consumption of tomato sauces or eat some leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli before you have tomato sauce. Having leafy greens can reduce the risk of staining as they form a protective film over your teeth enamel.
Coke, diet soda, and such aerated beverages are harmful to your dental health. They have artificial colors that cause staining. On the other hand, these drinks have high acid content that causes the erosion of tooth enamel. In addition to this, artificial sweeteners increase the chances of tooth decay, eventually leading to yellow or stained teeth. Avoid aerated beverages to prevent your teeth from staining.
Coffee and tea have a high content of tannin and are acidic in nature. Certain brew, especially black tea and coffee contain high levels of tannin, which causes teeth staining. The acidic nature of these beverages erode your tooth enamel and expose your teeth to staining and various other dental problems. Reduce the consumption of tea and coffee. Opt for green and white tea or lighten them with milk.
Many of these foods that stain teeth, if consumed in high quantities on a regular basis, can cause damage to your oral health. If you notice increased sensitivity or yellowing of your teeth, then visit a dental clinic. Several dental treatments such as teeth whitening can help you get a radiant, white smile.