A bright, white smile is something that we all want. But some of the foods that we consume on a daily basis may not be helping us get that pearly white smile. We’re not saying that you have to give up any of these foods (ahem, coffee) but just the simple awareness that these foods can stain your teeth can help you take proper preventative care. At Luxe Dental Spa in Oakhurst, we offer a variety of services that can help give you the perfect smile makeover such as tooth whitening, veneers, porcelain onlays, and dental implants. Our dentists have years of experience and are here to give you your best smile. So let’s take a glance at some of the top foods that can stain your teeth.
Black Coffee
Trust us, we’re also aware of how upsetting this one is but coffee is one of the worst offenders when it comes to staining your teeth. Due to the dark color of coffee and the porous outer layer of the tooth, this dark liquid is easily absorbed. One way to help avoid staining the front layer of your teeth is to drink your coffee with a straw. This might feel funny, especially if you’re drinking hot coffee, but for all you iced coffee lovers this is perfect! Adding some type of milk is also a great way to help lighten the color of your coffee, and it even adds some extra calcium!
Tea
Just like coffee, tea is also another favorite drink that can take away the whiteness of your teeth. However, some types of teas are better than others, so not all hope is lost! If you opt for lighter colored teas like green, white, and herbal teas, they’re lighter color won’t stain your teeth as much!
Red Wine
While a glass of red wine may be good for your heart health, it is not good for your smile. This dark liquid has extreme staining powers that are more prominent than others. However, red wine has been shown to help with reducing inflammation in the gums which can help prevent gum disease.
Dark Sodas
We’re not trying to beat a dead horse with all the dark liquids but you get the gist that dark colored liquids aren’t the best. Soda, however, is especially dangerous because of the cold temperature that it is usually drank at. Cold temperatures can cause the teeth to contract, which makes them more porous, and even more susceptible to staining. Some of the ingredients in soda, like citric acids and sweeteners, promote the erosion of tooth enamel and tooth decay, leading to all sorts of other dental problems.
Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes are one of the most powerful vegetables when it comes to both antioxidants and staining. Not to worry though, if you are eating a dish with tomato sauce, eat an appetizer of spinach or lettuce. These foods form a protective film that can help prevent the sauce from going into the pores of the tooth.
Blueberries
Another one of nature’s superfoods that packs a punch in health benefits and staining power. The dark blue skins of blueberries are notorious for staining. These little fruits tend to stick to your teeth, due to the natural sugars, and can also erode enamel. Don’t skip out on these fruits though, just be sure to either brush your teeth after consumption or swish water around your mouth.
Beets
If you’ve ever cooked or eaten beets, you know of their staining powers on clothing, which are not different from their staining powers on your teeth. Beets can be especially potent when they’re in a juice form since they’re so concentrated. If you are around beets, we recommend that you brush your teeth at least within an hour, so that stains don’t have time to form.
Curry
This yellow spice is notorious for making your teeth yellow, duh. But as a staple in Indian cuisine it can be hard to avoid. Whenever you’re dining with any curry spiced foods, try and incorporate some fruits or vegetables that you can crunch on, like apples, carrots, or celery.
Now we’re not saying that you can’t consume any of these drinks or foods, after all they’re delicious. But just be aware that they could contribute to the fading of your white smile. Brushing your teeth, swishing water, and alternating sips or bites with crunchy fruits and veggies can help prevent stains and let you enjoy all your favorite foods. At Luxe Dental Spa, we want to help give you your best smile and offer a wide variety of services to help with that! From routine cleanings and preventative care to cosmetic dental procedures, we’ve got it all. Click here to schedule an appointment or contact us today at (732) 210-9258!