8 Foods and Drinks That Can Stain Your Teeth 

You take good care of your smile, brushing, flossing, and keeping up with routine dental cleanings. So why do your teeth look dull and discolored? Many factors or lifestyle habits can cause teeth staining and discoloration, including your diet choices. Discover the top foods and drinks that can cause your teeth to lose their sparkle and tips on maintaining a bright, dazzling smile. 

Foods and Drinks That Can Stain Your Teeth

In general, any foods or drinks that can stain your tongue or your clothes can discolor your teeth. Here is a look at some of the top culprits that can leave your smile not as bright as you would like: 

1. Coffee and Tea: Coffee and tea are dark in color and intense in their ability to stain. Coffee, in particular, can leave your teeth more porous and vulnerable to staining.
2. Dark Berries: Dark berries, like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, contain powerful staining pigments that can discolor your teeth. Consider limiting their consumption and rinsing your mouth immediately after to minimize staining. 
3. Red wine: Red wine is rich in tannins that cling to your teeth, causing staining and discoloration. You may want to limit your red wine intake or opt for a lighter-colored variety whenever possible. 
4. Candy and Sugary Treats: If your favorite sweet treat turns your tongue a different color, it will likely stain your teeth. Moreover, a diet high in sugar provides oral bacteria with the ideal environment to flourish, leading to dull, discolored teeth. 
5. Tomato-Based Sauces: Rich tomato-based sauces, like pasta sauce, are deep red in color, leaving you with teeth staining and discoloration. They also contain acids, which can erode your tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to staining. 
6. Sports and Energy Drinks: These drinks are often marketed as healthy but can leave you with dull, stained teeth. They are acidic, high in sugar, and are often brightly colored, quickly discoloring your teeth.
7. Carbonated Drinks: Sodas and carbonated drinks contain dyes and acids that can contribute to teeth discoloration. They are also acidic and contain flavoring chemicals that can erode your tooth enamel and leave it prone to staining. 
8. Bright-Colored Spices: Spices like curries or turmeric can stain and discolor your teeth. To minimize their impact, consume these spices in moderation and rinse your mouth thoroughly after meals. 

How Can You Maintain a White, Bright Smile?

While it is not practical to eliminate all staining foods or drinks from your diet, there are things you can do to lessen their impact on your smile. Make it a habit to brush and floss after consuming dark foods. If you have consumed acidic foods or beverages, wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid causing damage to the softened enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water to minimize contact with the staining agents. 

Other ways to prevent teeth staining include drinking dark beverages with straws to limit their contact with your tooth enamel, opting for lighter-colored fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day to flush away bacteria and food debris. Our Afton Dental dedicated team is happy to offer personalized tips to help keep your smile white and bright. 

Teeth Whitening Near Me in Concord, NC

If you are dealing with stained and discolored teeth, our team at Afton Dental can help. We are pleased to offer in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening options to lift stains and discoloration and restore your smile’s sparkle. Dr. Hill will recommend the ideal teeth whitening option based on your unique needs and personal preferences. We invite you to call us at 704-788-1717 to schedule your appointment today!