A bright, white smile can greatly enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. While teeth whitening treatments can help add sparkle to your smile, your food choices can also play a role in staining — or brightening — your smile.
Did you know that certain foods can naturally help brighten your teeth? In this edition of “Eat This, Not That,” our team at Dentistry in Paradise in Santa Barbara, California, explores some teeth-staining culprits and provides you with a list of delicious alternatives that can promote a brighter smile.
Avoid this: Coffee
Coffee is a popular beverage many people enjoy, but it can be a major culprit when it comes to tooth discoloration. The dark pigments in coffee, called tannins, leave stubborn stains on your teeth over time.
Drink instead: Green tea
If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, consider switching to green tea. Not only does green tea offer numerous health benefits, but it also contains fewer tannins and can help fight bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.
Avoid this: Red wine
Red wine lovers might be disappointed to know that their favorite indulgence contributes to teeth staining. The deep pigments in red wine, combined with its acidity, can leave your teeth with an unwanted purple hue.
Drink instead: White wine
While white wine can still cause some staining, it’s generally less likely to discolor your teeth compared to its red counterpart. Just remember to drink in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Avoid this: Sauces that stain
Curry-based dishes and tomato-based sauces, such as pasta sauces and ketchup, are notorious for causing teeth staining. The acidity and dark pigments in tomatoes can gradually leave your teeth looking dull and discolored, while the curry and turmeric in curry sauces can make your teeth, and even your tongue, appear a little bit more yellow.
Eat instead: Cauliflower sauces
Consider swapping out tomato sauce for cauliflower sauce. Not only is it a healthy alternative, but it also lacks the staining properties found in tomatoes and curry. You can create a creamy and flavorful sauce by blending cooked cauliflower with herbs and spices.
If you do opt for tomato or curry sauces, be sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating.
Avoid this: Dark chocolate
Although dark chocolate is often praised for its health benefits, it contains high levels of cacao, which can stain your teeth. Its dark color particles tend to adhere to tooth enamel, leaving behind a noticeable residue.
Eat instead: Sugar-free chewing gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
Avoid this: Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants and are excellent for your overall health, so you may not want to skip out on them completely. Their vibrant colors can easily stain your teeth, however, especially if you consume them regularly.
If you do eat them, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. If you drink dark-colored berry juice, use a straw to limit the contact between your teeth and the juice.
Eat instead: Apples and pears
Apples and pears are delicious alternatives to berries, and these fruits can aid in cleaning your teeth. Their crisp texture promotes saliva production, which helps wash away staining particles and bacteria.
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods
Achieving a brighter smile doesn’t always require expensive treatments or products. By making simple dietary changes and opting for teeth-friendly alternatives, you can naturally combat tooth staining.
Remember to practice good oral hygiene — regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups — to maintain a healthy and radiant smile. Start incorporating these “Eat This, Not That” suggestions into your diet and watch your teeth shine brighter!
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods. After all, curry, tomatoes, berries, and coffee provide health benefits. If you find that your favorite foods have left your smile a little dull, consider professional teeth whitening treatments. Kevin Miller, DDS, and our team utilize the Sinsational Smile whitening system to brighten your smile in just 20 minutes.
Say goodbye to food-induced stains and explore your whitening options by calling Dentistry in Paradise at 805-967-0272 or by using our online appointment request form.