There’s a big difference between the smile you see in a Colgate add and the one you find on most people, but what many don’t know is that there are certain foods that stain your teeth, causing that typical dark colouring. While many of these products can be avoided, it seems ridiculous to not ingest others for fear of tainting your tooth’s enamel. However, you can reduce the damage caused by most of the foods and beverages on this no-go list by simply chewing and swallowing them quickly, so that their discolouring components don’t linger in your mouth. The trick with beverages in particular, is to use a straw when drinking them, thereby avoiding direct contact with the teeth.
In one of our previous articles about 12 everyday products you’ve been using completely wrong, we pointed out a misconception regarding toothpaste and how much of it is really necessary to keep your pearly whites clean. In this case, we’ll be focusing on what the dentist isn’t telling you about the ingredients in your kitchen and why they’re causing more harm than gain. So, put on your best smile and take a look the top foods that stain your teeth.
8. Red wine
Most people enjoy a glass of red wine with their dinner, but as you surely guessed by the purple colouring of this beverage, it’s not the best for your teeth. The acidic components chromogen and tannin are known for causing stains on any surface, so be sure to rinse with water between sips of wine.
7. Tea
Another beverage with high doses of tannins is tea, which surprisingly stains even more than coffee. However, if you can’t drop your tea-drinking habit, go for herbal, green, or white variations, instead of black tea, as these are less likely to stain your tooth enamel.
6. Soft drinks
While carbonated beverages may be the only thing you want to drink on a hot summer’s day, beware their acidity levels, which are almost equal to that of battery acid. The all-time favourite cola is especially chromogen-rich, which will turn your pearly whites to brown fangs.
5. Berries
Blueberries, cranberries, grapes, pomegranates, cherries, and of course, blackberries are big no-go’s when it comes to keeping your teeth white. This is also true for all products derived from these fruits, such as pies and juices. However, if you can’t resist the urge, try opting for light coloured grapes instead and brush your teeth immediately after eating.
4. Sweets
A single Popsicle or lollipop probably won’t cause any harm to your teeth, but eating hard candies, sweets, and chewing gum on a regular basis will certainly stain your white smile. This should come as no surprise, given that your mouth and tongue usually take on the colour of your candy after ingesting it.
3. Coffee
Drinking espresso or other dark roast coffee variations are known for staining your tooth’s enamel, given their chromogen level. However, if you add milk to your coffee, drink water, and brush afterwards, the damage can be reduced.
2. Sauces
Foodies will cringe at this one, but the truth is that most delicious sauces cause significant staining. The effect of soy sauce can be reduced by drinking green tea and water afterwards, but tomato sauce is particularly troublesome. The tomatoes used to create the sauce are high in acidic value, which lead to mean stains on your tooth’s surface. In order to indulge in your favourite pasta, try eating a small spinach salad first, which will create a protective layer on your teeth, thereby reducing the damage somewhat.
1. Balsamic vinegar
The dark brown coloured balsamic vinegar can also cause discoloration, but again, if served on lettuce, this will act as a barrier to the dark pigments.
