Top 5 Teeth-Staining Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Do you want to keep your teeth sparkling white? You may be doing everything right when it comes to oral hygiene, but dietary choices can also have huge impacts on the appearance of our tooth enamel. If a white smile is a high priority for you, it’s essential that you avoid certain foods and drinks known to cause teeth staining—here we’ll provide the top 5 most common ones to stay away from. Top of the list is coffee, which can stain teeth due to its dark pigments. Dark sodas such as cola are also notorious for staining teeth because of their chromogens, which make it easier for other substances to leave stains. Berries contain vibrant and rich colors that can leave pigments on the enamel, which can cause teeth staining. Tea contains tannins that are responsible for causing tooth stains. Red wine has high acidity and pigmentation that can lead to stained teeth. Brushing twice daily, rinsing after consumption, and using a straw when drinking are all effective methods of preserving oral hygiene while still enjoying wine responsibly. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, please feel free to contact our office in Covington, VA, and speak with Dr. Wheeler about your whitening options.

Coffee

Coffee, a staple in many people's morning routines, is also a culprit when it comes to teeth staining. The dark pigments in coffee can seep into the porous surface of teeth, leading to discoloration over time. While this may seem like a small cosmetic issue, it can actually impact a person's confidence in their smile. It's important to maintain a balance between enjoying your morning cup of joe and taking care of your dental health.

Cola and other dark sodas

Cola and other dark sodas are some of the most popular beverages in the world. Unfortunately, they can also be some of the most harmful to your teeth. Because of their dark color, these drinks are notorious for causing unsightly stains on your pearly whites. The culprit behind these discolorations is chromogens, which give the sodas their dark hue. These chromogens not only stain your teeth but also make it easier for other substances, such as coffee and red wine, to leave stains as well. It is important to rinse your mouth with water and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. It's also a good idea to limit your intake of these drinks and to drink them through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

Berries

Berries are a beloved fruit, but did you know that they can stain your teeth? This occurs because of their vibrant and rich color, which can leave pigments on the enamel. However, this does not mean you need to avoid them altogether! Simply being aware of this potential effect and taking steps to combat it can help. One helpful tip is to rinse your mouth with water after consuming berries to reduce the staining. 

Teas

As much as we love our daily cup of tea, it may not be as kind to our teeth. Tea is notorious for causing teeth stains due to its high levels of tannins, which can cause pigments to stick to the teeth. This doesn't mean you should give up your go-to brew, but it does mean taking a few extra precautions to prevent or minimize staining. One method is to swish water in your mouth after finishing your tea, which helps to wash away any lingering pigments. And of course, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, such as brushing and flossing, is critical to keeping your teeth healthy and stain-free. 

Wine

Wine has been enjoyed for centuries. However, many wine lovers are left with a common problem after a glass or two- stained teeth. Red wine, in particular, is notorious for causing discoloration on teeth due to its high acidity and strong pigmentation. But fear not; with proper dental hygiene and preventive measures, you can continue to enjoy your favorite wine while maintaining a bright, healthy smile. Remember to rinse your mouth with water after consumption.

You should try to avoid coffee, cola, dark sodas, berries, tea, and wine to prevent your teeth from staining. However, if regular consumption of these foods and drinks is unavoidable, then there are tips out there to help: Always brush after meals and snacks that contain stain-causing foods or drinks; floss daily to take out any small particles that could cause staining; use whitening toothpaste before brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste; and consider at least an occasional professional teeth cleaning by a dentist to fight the damage caused due to excess consumption of these food items. It can be beneficial to book a consultation with Dr. Wheeler at his office located in Covington, VA, for teeth whitening treatment options if you think stains are getting harder to remove.