A bright, white smile can boost your confidence, but it’s not just a result of regular brushing. Many foods can help or harm your teeth, and what you eat has a lot to do with how well your teeth shine. Some foods and drinks can stain or even weaken your enamel, thus making your teeth dull and discoloured. If you are interested in keeping your pearly whites or maintaining them after a teeth whitening you’ll need to pay attention to what you are eating. Keep reading to find out what foods you should avoid for a whiter, healthier smile. You visit a nearby dentist for teeth whitening in Mill Bay.
Staining Culprits: Foods and Drinks That Darken Your Teeth
Certain foods and drinks contain substances such as pigments, acids, or tannins which race to your teeth and cause discoloration. So you could talk to your dentist about it.
- Coffee and Tea
- Tea, in particular, black tea, is the most suitable material for staining anything more than coffee.
- Tea, especially black tea, is known to stain even more than coffee.
- If you really cannot resist your morning cup of coffee, just try mixing it with milk to reduce the staining effect.
- Red Wine
- Wine has the reputation of staining teeth purple due to its intensity and acidity.
- Wine tannins can render your teeth more prone to staining.
- If you like wine, then try to rinse your mouth with water after drinking it.
- Dark-Colored Berries
- Blueberries, blackberries and cherries are very stained foods that can stain your teeth due to their strong pigments.
- Although they are rich in antioxidants, they may cause discoloration of the teeth if taken frequently.
- Rinsing the mouth or brushing the teeth right after consuming them may help.
- Tomato Based Sauces
- Tomato sauces are also very acidic and quite dark and are one of the most common causes of teeth staining.
- You should only pair them with crunchy vegetables, which can act as a natural toothbrush.
- Soy Sauce and Balsamic Vinegar
- These are very intense sauces which can stain your teeth if used frequently.
- If you can, try to avoid them and use lighter sauces such as olive oil or lemon dressing.
Acidic foods: They Can Weaken Your Enamel
It’s not just the colour: Acidic foods don’t just stain your teeth, they can erode enamel, which makes stains set in easier.
- Citrus Fruits
- Oranges, lemons and grapefruits are acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time.
- Though they are healthy, you should avoid overeating them as they are harmful to your teeth.
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Soda, even the clear kinds, is acidic and can attack your enamel.
- Many sodas also have artificial colouring, which can stain your teeth.
- Instead, you might want to try water or other unsweetened beverages instead of soda.
- Sports and Energy Drinks
- They are loaded with acids that attack the enamel and make the teeth more likely to stain.
- If you need a boost of energy, you should try water or a natural fruit smoothie instead.
Sticky and Sugary Foods: A Double Threat
Sticky and sugary foods can cause plaque accumulation, which leads to staining and decay.
- Candy and Sweets
- Hard candies, gums, and sticky confectionery products are likely to remain stuck in the teeth, thus increasing the risk of stains and cavities.
- Dark-coloured candies may also cause discoloration.
- Choose sugar-free gums or after consuming sweets, rinse your mouth.
- Processed Foods
- Many processed foods are high in sugar and contain artificial dyes which can stain your teeth if consumed over a long period.
- It is always better to choose whole, natural foods for the smile and system. Avoiding these foods will also help in preventing other diseases as well.
Keeping Your Smile Bright: Tips for Healthy Teeth
Now, here are some of the extra tips that can keep your smile bright:
- Drink plenty of water to eliminate the substances that provoke various stains from your mouth.
- To avoid the contact of your teeth with staining drinks, always use a straw while drinking the beverages.
- Every day brush and floss the plaque away to achieve clean teeth free of discoloration.
- Book regular appointments with a Dentist in the Mill Bay area to ensure your teeth remain in a healthy condition.
Care for Your Teeth and Protect Your Smile
Having a white smile is not only about avoiding certain foods, it is also about having good oral hygiene. If you are looking for tips and professional teeth whitening the dentist at Mill Bay Dental is ready to assist you. With the latest technology and skilled professionals, we offer a range of treatments to help you achieve and preserve a bright and beautiful smile. If you are in search of a Dentist in Mill Bay, please contact us to book your appointment and allow us to assist you in maintaining your smile’s shine.
