Dental professionals recommend avoiding stain-producing foods that are hard to remove. However, there are a variety of foods and beverages that can create permanent discoloration and hinder the way the smile looks. By reading about the 10 teeth-staining foods, dental patients find ways to keep their smiles bright and white.
- Red Wine
Red wine is the most common stain-producer that affects the teeth, second only to smoking. People often enjoy red wine with Italian foods as they pare well. A Family Dentist will recommend brushing their teeth as soon as they are finished drinking the red wine for the evening as this could reduce the potential for stains.
- Soft Drinks and Brown Sodas
Regular consumption of soft drinks that have darker coloring is more likely to cause permanent stains on the teeth. The beverages are highly acidic and will cause severe damage if the person drinks them too often. Dentists recommend limiting consumption of any soft drinks especially those that are dark-colored.
- Tomato-Based Sauces and Dips
Tomatoes are acidic and any sauces and dips created with tomatoes present the risk of stains. The foods can also produce cavities that may lead to further tooth damage, and the person will need dental repairs. Limiting the consumption of tomatoes lowers the risk of tooth damage.
- Any Fruits or Berries
By consuming any berries or fruits, especially blueberries and blackberries will cause darker stains on the teeth. The juices from the berries are of a higher concentration when the person eats the fruits or berries. They get the full strength of the chemicals in the foods, and this can leave behind severe stains.
- Candy and Sugary Sweets
Candy and sugary sweets with artificial coloring are likely to cause stains, too. Any candies that are not colorless will generate a stain on the teeth while the person is eating them. They should brush their teeth when they are finished eating the candy to lift and remove potential stains.
- Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is an Asia staple, and it is wonderful with a variety of Chinese and Japanese foods. Unfortunately, soy sauce has a darker color and can produce stains on the teeth if the person doesn’t remove it quickly.
- Tea and Coffee
Regular consumption of tea and coffee can cause permanent discoloration of the tooth enamel. The beverages are amazing for giving a person a boost of energy when they need it, but the beverages will stain their teeth in the same way that they stain their mugs or teacups.
- Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressings
Balsamic vinegar salad dressing is delicious for any salad, but it has a dark color and can produce stains. If the person eats the salad dressing often, they may develop stains from its dark color.
- Ice Cream and Popsicles
Fruit-based ice cream and popsicles contain several food dyes that can transfer onto tooth enamel. The same dyes are used in beverages such as Kool-Aid that is capable of creating permanent discoloration of the teeth if it is not removed properly by brushing.
- Dark-Colored Fruit Juices
Any fruit juices that are not clear have a chance of producing stains on the teeth. The darker the fruit juice the more likely they are to create discoloration and stick to the tooth enamel.
Dental professionals present patients with a list of foods that produce stains on tooth enamel. It presents them with a guide to keep their teeth whiter and brighter. If they visit their dental professional regularly, they can get more advice about improving their smile.
