Which Foods Actually Stain Your Teeth?

Going on a date with your long-time crush, or getting along due to promotion, a healthy white smile is a dream for many. And it’s not a shocker considering the importance of a healthy white smile in an individual’s personality. Having a healthy white smile adds to a person’s appearance and makes them look pleasing and attractive. It boasts one’s confidence and makes one feel good about oneself.

Needless to say, brushing and flossing are some of the best preventive methods to keep yourself away from any tooth and gum issues. However, a tooth-accommodating eating routine can likewise help keep your smile flawless and your gums solid.

A decent eating routine that gives satisfactory sustenance can help advance solid teeth. Numerous supplements, including vitamin C and D, calcium, and others, are essential to oral wellbeing.

Alongside eating a solid diet, it’s essential to restrict frequent snacking. The progression of salivation scrubs the mouth and teeth, eliminating cavity-promoting foods from the teeth.

The best guidance to forestall cavities? Restrict your eating to three meals every day. If you nibble, go after food less inclined to cause tooth rot.

This article will guide you through things you should avoid eating to maintain a healthy smile and ensure that no foods can hinder your teeth whitening spree!

What causes Teeth Stain?

Chromogens are added to certain foods and drinks to give them a distinct colour. This chemical compound can stain your teeth. Tannin is another such substance frequently added to foods and drinks but can cause stains on your teeth. Certain foods and drinks also contain acids that can damage your teeth and make them vulnerable to stains. 

In short, if a drink or food item can stain your tongue or clothes, it will most probably stain your teeth. 

Foods to Choose for Healthy, White Teeth

Sugar-free chewing gum: Chewing gum helps salivate your mouth, which helps in neutralising the acids in your mouth. The acids are responsible for inducing the risk of cavities in the teeth. The constant salivation will flush away the acidity and remove any residue stuck in your teeth.

Cheese and milk: The proteins, calcium and phosphorus present in these dairy products buffer the acid and prevent the tooth enamel from corroding or erosion. According to many researchers, these dairy products also help strengthen your teeth and their surfaces. They also encourage saliva production, which neutralises the acids in the mouth.

Citrus Fruits: Although citrus fruits consist of acids, they help in the increased production of saliva, which helps in neutralising the acids present in the mouth, thereby preventing cavities and discolouration.

Water: Water will help flush your mouth with anything stuck on your teeth, remove the grim and residue, and wash away any unwanted materials from your mouth, which can lead to teeth problems.

Fish and flax: Fish and flax contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are very rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients. They help reduce gum diseases which in turn lead to a healthy smile.

Other Food Items you can eat without having the guilt of staining your teeth

1. Apples
2. Bananas
3. Broccoli
4. Cauliflower
5. Celery
6. Cheese
7. Chicken
8. Cucumber
9. Eggplant
10. Eggs
11. Fish
12. Ginger
13. Grapefruit
14. Grapes
15. Kale
16. Lettuce
17. Mango
18. Milk
19. Nectarines
20. Nuts
21. Oats
22. Onions
23. Oranges
24. Pears
25. Pineapple
26. Pork
27. Potatoes
28. Quinoa
29. Salmon
30. Sesame Seeds
31. Sweet Potatoes
32. Turnips
33. Water
34. Yoghurt
    
    

Which Foods Cause Teeth Stains?

Here is a list of common food and drinks that cause stained teeth. Some of these are essential for a healthy diet. Instead of ceasing to use them, you can make sure that you consume this type of food less regularly. 

The foods and drinks which stain your teeth include:

• Tea/Coffee – Tea and coffee contain tannins which result in teeth stains. However, you can counteract the effect by increasing the milk quantity in the beverage. 
• Red wine – Although red wine is called for on special occasions, it is not too healthy for your teeth. It is one of the most common causes of teeth stains. 
• Cola – Cola drinks are darkened using artificial colours and contain several types of acids. These combine to wear your teeth down and make them visibly stained. 
• Fruit juices – Cranberry, grape or blueberry juices, which are usually dark, leave visible stains on your teeth after consumption. 
• Curry – Curry contains strong and deep colouring and eating a lot of curry can leave visible stains on your teeth. 
• Tomato-based sauces – Tomatoes are incredibly good for your health as they contain several important nutrients. However, the pigment used to give colour to packaged tomato sauces also makes it stain your teeth. 
• Soy sauce – Soy sauce is a staple addition to any stir-fry however its dark colouring often lingers on the teeth, leaving noticeable stains on them. 
• Balsamic vinegar – This is a common salad dressing but the deep pigmentation in the vinegar makes it stain your teeth. 
• Beetroot – Beetroot has several essential minerals and vitamins but we all know how quickly it can stain your mouth, including teeth and tongue. 
• Berries – Berries are delicious to munch on but contain natural colours that can stain your teeth. 

How to Avoid Teeth Stains?

Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of teeth stains. Here are some simple steps to prevent teeth stains:

• Limit food intake – Try to limit intake of foods and drinks that stain your teeth, or seek alternatives. A cup of herbal tea or flavoured hot water can replace your daily tea. 
• Rinse your mouth – Rinse your mouth properly with water after eating or drinking such food and drinks.
• Use a straw – Using a straw can prevent the staining food or drink from touching your teeth.
• Eat crunchy vegetables – Apples, carrots, and celery boost saliva and scrub your teeth, becoming natural stain removers. 
• See your dentist – If your teeth are noticeably stained, then we advise seeking help from an experienced dentist. 

Conclusion

Several foods and drinks can cause visible stains on your teeth. You can prevent teeth stains through good oral hygiene and avoid such foods and beverages as much as possible.