If you want to brighten and whiten your smile, you should look at your diet. While a good oral health routine is an essential part of a white smile, your diet can significantly impact your teeth.
A hard, thin layer called enamel covers your teeth. This is what gives your teeth a white color and provides protection against decay. It is an extremely tough substance; in fact, it is the hardest tissue in your body. However, enamel has tiny holes or pores that cover its surface. Small particles will move through the pores when food is broken down or drinks pass through your teeth.
Foods that are acidic or have higher sugar levels can travel into these pores and begin to break down the enamel. This can lead to staining your teeth, cavities, or other types of tooth decay. In addition, certain foods and drinks, especially dark-colored ones, have a higher chance of staining your teeth.
Drinks That Can Stain Your Teeth
Many popular drinks can leave stains on your teeth. Therefore, you may want to consider limiting your exposure to the following drinks:
Coffee is a common drink for most people. For some, it is a vital part of their morning routine and lifestyle. Unfortunately, your teeth can become discolored by the dark color of coffee. In addition, coffee is highly acidic, so it can break down your enamel faster than other liquids. It can also cause dry mouth, which creates an environment in your mouth where bacteria can thrive. The more bacteria in your mouth, the more likely you will develop bad breath, tooth decay, or gum disease.
Wine, especially red wine, leaves behind a dark purplish stain on your teeth. In wine (and coffee), there is a compound known as tannin, which gives both their bitter and robust flavors. The tannins and natural dyes in wine are what can stain your teeth. Wine is also acidic, so it will break down the enamel of your teeth, making them easier to stain.
Sodas, sports drinks, and certain fruit juices can all leave your teeth looking less than white. This is because each of these choices contains either high levels of acid or sugar, which can destroy the enamel on your teeth.
Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth
Some of our favorite foods can stain our teeth. Tomato-based foods and sauces are the culprits in staining your teeth. Think about the last time you put spaghetti into a clear Tupperware container. It probably changed the color of your container by leaving stains. Unfortunately, that is what it can do to your teeth too.
If you are a sushi fan, you may use soy sauce to add to your meal. Soy sauce is another food that can dim the brightness of your smile. Its dark pigments and high acidity can stay on your teeth long after meals.
Even healthy foods can stain your teeth. For example, fresh berries, such as blueberries or blackberries, can leave behind dark pigments that alter the color of your smile. Other superfoods like pomegranates and beets leave behind dark red stains that linger on your teeth.
