5 Foods That Stain Your Teeth
(And What To Eat Instead)
By John Santos
Health Editor
One of the first things people notice when they meet someone new is their smile.
Research shows people with whiter teeth are perceived as more able socially, better at relationships and overall more successful.
But it’s hard to maintain healthy-looking teeth when so many common, everyday foods sabotage our chances of a bright smile. Teeth enamel is extremely porous and food stains can easily become embedded, leading to an unattractive yellow-brown tinge.
Yet, some foods are far more damaging than others.
Here Are The Top 5 Foods That Stain Your Teeth
Teeth Staining Food #1: Pasta Sauce
Unfortunately, the acidity and bright red color of tomatoes can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining.
Even though they’re stuffed full of nutrients, tomatoes can gradually wear away the enamel, leaving behind a yellowish tinge to your teeth.
Did you know... the yellow color of your teeth is actually dentin, a tissue that lies beneath your enamel consisting of calcium and phosphate crystals.
Teeth Staining Food #2: Coffee
You knew this was coming, didn’t you?
Unfortunately your morning cup o’ Joe contains tannins (acidic polyphenols) that lead to staining and discoloration. It gets worse...
Because coffee is acidic it dramatically alters the pH balance of your mouth. The result? Any foods you eat after your cup of coffee can damage your teeth more quickly.
Teeth Staining Food #3: Berries
They may be packed with healthy antioxidants but the dark skins of blueberries, blackberries and pomegranates can leave a visible mark on teeth.
Ever spilt pomegranate juice on a white shirt?
When it comes to berries and your teeth, the rule of thumb is this:
If it’s difficult to remove from clothing, it’s going to be difficult to remove from your teeth!
Teeth Staining Food #4: Red Wine
The same tannins that exist in tea and coffee are also at work in red wine.
Although here, they can turn your teeth a grayish hue rather than yellow or brown.
On the bright side? Red wine can help fight cavities. Enjoy a glass in moderation.
Teeth Staining Food #5: Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar’s dark, natural color can leave an ugly, brown mark on your teeth. Plus, the thickness of the liquid clings to your teeth enamel.
What’s the solution? Crunch some lettuce along with your balsamic and it will help remove the sticky brown residue.
Had enough of teeth-staining foods?
Add these to your diet to help
get back that healthy glow...
Teeth Whitening Food #1: Strawberries
Unlike their darker-hued cousins, strawberries are rich in malic acid that experts believe helps whiten your teeth.
TIP: Mix a few strawberries with baking soda for an effective (although temporary) Do It Yourself solution.
Teeth Whitening Food #2: Cheese
Who knew your favorite chunk of gorgonzola can help keep your teeth healthy?
Research suggests cheese can raise the pH level in your mouth, keeping nasty cavities at bay.
Teeth Whitening Food #3: Water
We all know the health benefits of keeping your body hydrated, but don’t forget the fluoride in tap water can battle tooth decay. And simply swilling it around your mouth during a meal can help flush away stubborn stains.
Of course, for best results, each morning and night be sure to brush with an electric toothbrush to remove those food particles. Flossing too plucks out the pesky plaque building up between teeth.
Want that Hollywood Smile? Here’s how to
‘activate’ whiter teeth each day...
Although teeth whitening at a dentist can set you back several hundreds dollars per session, today’s home teeth whitening kits are so advanced they deliver the same results from the comfort of home…
… and at a fraction of the price.
Click the link below to see our #1 choice for effective teeth whitening from home:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23649576
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