Are you unhappy with the color of your smile? Maybe your pearly whites are not so “pearly”? If so, you are not alone. A recent study found that a whopping 80% of Americans want whiter teeth. While professional teeth whitening is an instant and effective remedy, there are certain foods and beverages you can avoid to keep your grin from becoming too dim! Read on to learn more about the connection between teeth stains and what you drink and eat…as well as how to protect your smile from discoloration.
The Impact of Tannins on Your Tooth Enamel
When it comes to understanding how your diet causes stained teeth, it’s important to learn about tannins and how they affect the enamel of your teeth. Enamel is the thin, outermost covering of your teeth and keeps them appearing white. While it is incredibly strong, it is porous and can become stained. Tannins, the organic substances that give foods and beverages their color and bitterness, can stick to the tiny ridges of your enamel. As time progresses, your smile becomes stained and discolored.
The Most Common Foods and Drinks That Cause Teeth Stains
The most well-known beverages that cause stains are coffee, red wine, and dark sodas. However, they are not the only culprits that negatively impact your grin. To keep your teeth bright, it’s best to try to minimize or avoid other food choices, such as:
- Candy and sweets
- Citrus fruits
- Berries
- Tomato sauce
- Curry
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Teas
How Can You Protect Your Smile from Tooth Discoloration?
By limiting the above-mentioned items in your diet, you will decrease the chances of significantly staining your teeth. However, if you want a luminous smile for years to come, there are additional oral health practices that will help. These include:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily
- Use mouthwash on a regular basis
- Drink plenty of water to wash away remaining food debris and harmful bacteria
- Choose vitamin-rich foods
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
By doing your best to limit stain-causing foods and beverages, you can do your part to keep your smile looking its best. With your consistent care, as well as help from your dentist, you are sure to have bright pearly whites for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Tristan Parry and his team at Magnolia Shores Family Dental keep the smiles of Summerfield healthy and beautiful! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Ohio State University and is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, which is an honor that less than 7% of dentists in the United States hold. With a passion for improving the appearance and function of your smile, he provides a full range of dental services, including cosmetic treatments like professional teeth whitening. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (336) 728-6153.