Foods To Avoid For a Brighter Smile
Everyone wants white teeth for a bright smile. Some people have naturally whiter teeth than others, but everyone is subject to the staining of their teeth from the food and drink they consume regularly. Some of these foods are healthy, and some are not, but all can cause permanent tooth staining so these are foods to avoid.
Tooth-Staining Foods To Avoid
- Curry. The intense color of this dish is quite capable of dimming your smile. You can still enjoy it. Just be sure to brush right after or rinse your mouth thoroughly with clear water.
- Beets. This healthy food can stain your teeth just like it can stain your fingers after handling it. You don’t have to forgo it. Just be sure to brush or rinse after eating.
- Blueberries. This superfood has tons of antioxidants and is great for your health, just not so much for your smile.
- Coffee, tea and soda. These are all well-known foods to avoid for tooth stains. You can drink soda through a straw, which will help, and the same for iced tea and coffee. For hot coffee and tea, rinse your teeth afterward. Soda is terrible for your health and your teeth: consider giving it up entirely.
- Tomato sauce. Did you know that if you eat spinach, lettuce or broccoli beforehand, these veggies will form a protective film over your teeth? Still, to be safe, rinse after eating tomato sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar. Its dark color is the culprit here.
- Soy sauce. Think about a soy sauce stain on a white T-shirt. Then rinse your teeth after you eat it.
- Popsicles, slushy drinks and hard candy. The food dye that makes these items so colorful can also stain your teeth.
- Cranberry juice and red wine. The rich, red color of these drinks can wreak havoc with white teeth.
A good rule of thumb is that foods to avoid are those that would stain white cotton can also stain your teeth. You don’t have to avoid them. Many tooth-staining foods are very healthy, and you shouldn’t avoid them. Just be vigilant with rinsing or brushing afterward, and your teeth will maintain their brightness.
Please contact one of our offices, Holland Rd: (757) 431-1300 • Landstown: (757) 431-2200 or request an appointment online if you have any questions or concerns about dental health. At Gentle Dental Center, we are eager to help you enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile — as well as newfound confidence at work, play, and home.
