Many common brightly colored foods and drinks can wreak havoc on your white teeth. While some of the foods and drinks seem like obvious “offenders” – others are very healthy yet still cause staining.
Even so, it is nearly impossible to avoid all of these foods all of the time.
But don’t despair – along with each food we are providing a tip to help minimize the negative staining effective they might have on your pearly whites.
1) Tea and Coffee – These dark colored beverages are often sipped slowly, allowing for more damage to be done.
TIP: Lighten up your morning beverage with some milk or cream and enjoy while hot!
2) Soda and Sports Drinks – Both are loaded with sugar and highly acidic which make teeth more prone to staining.
TIP: Limit your consumption and try not to sip throughout the day. Using a straw is another great way to protect your teeth from over exposure.
3) Berries – These antioxidant-rich super foods are less than stellar for keeping your smile white.
TIP: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after enjoying these healthy fruits.
4) Sauces – Soy, marinara, and curry are some of the most common, and worst offenders.
TIP: Eating dark leafy greens prior to consuming these sauces can help to protect teeth.
5) Juices – Most juices are high in sugar, which breaks down tooth enamel making them more susceptible to staining from the brightly colored juices.
TIP: Choose juice that has no added sugar and sip sparingly.
6) Balsamic Vinegar – While high in cancer-fighting antioxidants, this Italian-fare staple also has as sticky consistency, which makes it extra damaging.
TIP: Luckily, balsamic vinegar is most often used as a salad dressing alternative and eating it with leafy greens will minimize its staining power.
7) Hard Candy – Lollipops, lifesavers, and caramels all consist of pure sugar which has been hardened. Sucking on them for long amounts of time over expose teeth to stains.
TIP: Save these treats for special occasions only.
8) Popsicles – This sugary summer treat also packs a double whammy since the cold makes teeth more susceptible to staining from all the brightly colored dyes.
TIP: Cool off with an ice water or frozen yogurt instead.
9) Wine: It’s sad but true – the same tannins that make wine so delicious are terrible for your teeth. Plus, the traditional practices of swishing and swirling the wine to enhance flavors, mean extra coating of the teeth.
TIP: While imbibing, also have a glass of water nearby and every few sips be sure to swirl and swish with the water as well.
Learn more about keeping your teeth white or call us today at (908) 998-4698 to schedule an appointment!
