Everyone wants to have a smile that impresses and awes others. For example, that smile you saw at the café the other day that made you and your friend gossip with one another. If you want to have that bright smile, or if you want to keep it, you’ll have to put in some work. You can consult your dentist in Raleigh, NC to ensure your dental hygiene practices are optimal for oral health. Furthermore, if you’re mindful about the foods you eat, you’ll surely maintain that movie star smile.
Foods to Avoid
Luckily, nothing you consume will immediately affect the color of your teeth. As we all know, moderation is key to everything. However, if you do begin to overindulge in some foods, your teeth may begin to discolor over time. With the right awareness of what kind of foods tend to stain teeth, you can be sure to limit your intake of them. Plus, with cosmetic dentistry in Raleigh, NC, you can gain confidence your teeth are getting the best care possible, so they can stay white and bright.
Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee drinkers beware—your beloved drink does lead to teeth stains over time. Although known to have some health benefits, these drinks are acidic, meaning they can damage your enamel. When someone drinks coffee or tea throughout the day, their enamel is exposed to those damaging properties for longer. Plus, the dark color of coffee and some teas can impact the color of your teeth with time.
Rather than sip on a couple of cups of coffee or tea throughout the day, drink your tea in one sitting. Afterward, rinse or brush your teeth to minimize effects.
Wine
A real punch to the gut. Unfortunately, wine is known to stain teeth, especially dark red wines. The color is deep, strong, and damaging to the bright white of your teeth. That doesn’t mean white wine is off the hook, though. Just like coffee and tea, wine is highly acidic, so it can also wear enamel down.
Fizzy Drinks & Sport Drinks
It’s no secret that sugary drinks will damage your teeth. These drinks often have dyes in them that will stain your teeth. Plus, the sugar that sticks to your teeth will damage your overall oral health. Both sodas and sports drinks are also acidic, just like the previous drinks on the list.
Berries
Although berries have very promising health benefits, some types can also affect the color of your teeth. Berries like blueberries, blackberries, and even raspberries have such dark pigments that, when eaten often, may discolor your teeth. Additionally, when you eat berries, you can get the seeds stuck in your teeth which may cause further damage.
You don’t need to stay away from berries, though. Just like with coffee and tea, if you floss and brush after you eat berries, you’ll minimize the risks associated with the berries!
Sauces
Going along with the trend, if you consistently eat dark-colored sauces, your teeth may be at risk for discoloration. Tomato-based sauces may also be acidic enough to damage the enamel on your teeth. Various types of curry sauces, especially those with a lot of turmeric, can stain your teeth, as well.
Candies
Any food high in sugar, like candy, will damage your teeth. First, chewy and sticky candies can get stuck in your teeth causing more damage as the candy and acid are exposed to your teeth for long periods. All items with high sugar content are likely to cause cavities as well.
Any Food with Dark Color
We could go on and on with foods to avoid, but it’s not feasible. Rather, you should be aware of how much and how often you consume foods with dark pigments. For example, be mindful of beets, berries, soy sauce, balsamic, and all those similarly colored foods and drinks.
Even if you consume many of the items on this list, don’t worry. You can consume in moderation, rinse your mouth to get rid of seeds and acidic substances. You can also brush your teeth or floss to further minimize discoloration.
If you have other worries about the foods you eat, you can consult us at New Hope Dental Care where you can also make an appointment.