Nothing makes a better first impression than a pearly white smile. Unfortunately, there are a number of foods and beverages that could be ruining your beautiful smile without your knowledge! Whether you’re preparing for an interview or getting ready for a big event, be sure to avoid eating these known stain-causing foods.
1. Berries
While delicious fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and pomegranates are high in antioxidants and great for your health, they are also among the worst offenders when it comes to staining your teeth. This is because they are jam-packed with acids that corrode your dental enamel and lead to decay. To combat these stains from sinking into your teeth, try immediately following these fruits with a bite of hard cheese or a glass of milk to neutralize their acids and strengthen your teeth.
2. Red Pasta Sauce
Are you a big fan of Italian food? Unfortunately, red pasta sauce is a known staining agent that can wreak havoc on your teeth. Not only are the tomatoes within the pasta sauce highly acidic—causing it to wear down your dental enamel and make your teeth susceptible to stains—but the bright red hue of the sauce then clings to your teeth. Just think of how difficult it is to remove red sauce stains from your clothing! Try skipping the pasta sauce and opt for olive oil instead.
3. Coffee
Unfortunately for caffeine addicts, it is no mystery that your morning cup of coffee is detrimental to your pearly white smile. Firstly, coffee contains tannins that sink into the grooves on the surface of your teeth, leaving stains and discoloration. The worst part, however, is that coffee alters the pH balance of your mouth—making it so foods you consume afterwards are even more capable of causing damage to your teeth. To remedy the issue, try drinking your coffee with a straw. This helps you to avoid having coffee rest on the outer surfaces of your teeth for too long. Also, don’t forget to brush your teeth immediately after you’re done!
4. Candy and Soda
It’s no secret that sugary foods and drinks lead to cavities. This is because the bacteria on your teeth feed on the sugars in your food, eventually leading them to release harmful acids on your dental enamel. Once the outer layer of your teeth is worn away, it exposes the yellowish dentin layer beneath—ruining the appearance of your pearly whites.
5. Wine
You may be surprised to learn that both red and white wine can cause stains on your teeth. While the tannins in red wine cause a darker, grey stain on the surface of your teeth, the acidity in white wine actually makes it easier for your teeth to be stained by other foods.
To give an added boost to your smile, consider getting a professional whitening treatment with Oak Park Dental Group. Your teeth will be multiple shades whiter in just one treatment! To schedule your appointment, call our office today.