Tooth-Staining Foods
- Curry. The intense color of this dish is quite capable of dimming your smile. You can still enjoy it, just be sure to brush right after or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with clear water.
- Beets. This healthy food can stain your teeth just like it can stain your fingers after handling it. You don’t have to forgo it, just be sure to brush or rinse after eating.
- Blueberries. This superfood has tons of antioxidants and is great for your health, just not so much for your smile.
- Coffee, tea and soda. These are all well-known culprits for tooth stains. You can drink soda through a straw, which will help, and the same for iced tea and coffee. For hot coffee and tea, rinse your teeth afterwards. Soda is very bad for your health and your teeth: consider giving it up entirely.
- Tomato sauce. Did you know that if you eat spinach, lettuce or broccoli beforehand, that these veggies will form a protective film over your teeth? Still, to be safe, rinse after eating tomato sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar. Its dark color is the culprit here.
- Soy sauce. Think about a soy sauce stain on a white T-shirt. Then rinse your teeth after you eat it.
- Popsicles, slushy drinks and hard candy. The food dye that makes these items so colorful can also stain your teeth.
- Cranberry juice and red wine. The robust, red color of these drinks can wreak havoc with white teeth.
A good rule of thumb is that any food that would stain white cotton can also stain your teeth. You don’t have to avoid them. Many tooth-staining foods are very healthy and you shouldn’t avoid them. Just be vigilant with rinsing or brushing afterwards and your teeth will maintain their brightness.
Grove Avenue Family Dentistry can help you regain your white smile if it begins to dim. Schedule your next cleaning with us, and ask about our tooth whitening services. Our providers are always happy to help.