5 Foods That Stain Your Teeth
When it comes to preserving that beautiful white smile you worked so hard to achieve, coffee and tea aren’t the only things you will need to avoid. Many times people think that it is just beverages that will stain their teeth but in reality there are a number of foods that can discolor your smile too. If you recently whitened your teeth, or if you are just trying to keep your pearly whites from becoming yellowed, stay away from these 5 foods that stain your teeth!
A List of 5 Foods That Stain Your Teeth
1. Berries. Have you ever put a container of blueberries on a paper towel after washing them? If so, you have noticed that your paper towel turns purple when they absorb the juice from the berries. Your teeth will do the same thing when you eat blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, and pomegranates by absorbing their rich color into their pores. Beware of these dark pigmented berries when protecting your white smile!
2. Sauces. Ketchup, soy sauce, spaghetti sauce, and other dark sauces have the potential to significantly stain your chompers, especially when consumed frequently.
3. Dark Chocolate. Due to it’s rich pigment and milky consistency, dark chocolate has a tendency to cling to your teeth and cause some major stain if you don’t rinse after indulging.
4. Popsicles. These icy treats are typically full of food coloring, which are teeth-staining nightmares. A good rule of thumb is that if something turns your tongue a funny color, it is likely to stain your teeth as well.
5. Hard candy. Similar to popsicles, most hard candy is brightly colored and can be dangerous for your white smile if you spend excessive time with these in your mouth.
Tips for Maintaining a White Smile:
We know that keeping berries and chocolate out of your diet may be an unreasonable request.If you decide to enjoy these treats, do so in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterwards to help dilute any stain that may be left on your teeth.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly is also key to maintaining your white smile. Your hygienist can remove stains on your teeth that your toothbrush may not be able to fully clean.
Conclusion
What foods do you find stain and discolor your teeth? Do you have any tricks for keeping your teeth white? As always, thanks for reading our dental blog in Richmond, VA!
