Causes for teeth stain – you are what you eat!
How many times have you heard that expression? We’ve come to understand that the food we eat has a bearing on our state of health and well-being. What we eat and drink also has a direct correlation to our oral health, especially when it comes to teeth stains.
Here are some of the foods and drinks that cause the most teeth staining and some alternatives to minimize the staining:
Tea. Everyone knows that black coffee stains your teeth, but tea can do just as much harm, if not more. Black tea is particularly harsh on your teeth, but green teas and chai teas can also cause staining. If you don’t want to forego drinking tea, you can drink through a straw to lower the risk of teeth staining. Another option is drinking tea that isn’t too hot or too cold. Both hot and cold temperatures actually open up the pores in your teeth which can erode tooth enamel, causing more permanent stains.
Red Wine. Red wines is highly acidic and wears away tooth enamel, exposing the yellow dentin underneath. Do NOT brush your teeth immediately after drinking red wine, which can actually cause scratches to the tooth enamel. Rinsing with water after a glass of wine can minimize staining, but switching to white wine might be a better option.
Popsicles. This summertime favorite can do some serious damage to the teeth. The dyes that are used can stain your teeth. The high sugar content is harmful because the bacteria in your mouth feed on it and excrete acids that can cause decay to your tooth enamel. And, the frozen temperature of the popsicle opens up the porous surface of your tooth enamel, which can cause even worse staining. If you’re craving a cold, sweet treat, frozen grapes might hit the spot.
Soy Sauce. Soy sauce’s deep color can cause serious teeth staining. The consistency also allows it to stick to the teeth. If you require soy sauce on your sushi, then rinse with water after eating it.
Tomato Sauce. Tomato Sauce is the main ingredient in the best Italian food. Sadly, it’s highly acidic and clings to the teeth, thus breaking down the tooth’s enamel. There is a tasty solution, so you can still enjoy your favorite pasta or pizza with red sauce. Nutritionists suggest enjoying a spinach salad before the main pasta course. The spinach leaves create a protective barrier and could minimize the potential stains from the tomato sauce.
Blueberries. High in nutritious antioxidants, blueberries are nutritious and delicious; however, the powerful blue coloring can wreak havoc on your pearly-whites. The good news is you don’t have to go without this healthy food, just thoroughly rinse with water after eating a bowl of cereal with this delicious fruit topping.
Some teeth staining is inevitable. A Knoxville dentist, like Dr. Wesley Mullins, can help make your smile one to show off. The procedure, Deep Bleaching, is a tooth whitening procedure that can treat even severely stained teeth. Contact My Family Dentistry to schedule a whitening exam today.
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