Top 5 Foods That Stain Your Teeth

The hygienists at Comfort Dental spend a lot of time trying to remove food and drink stains from teeth. Here are the top 5 foods that stain your teeth and cause your smile to look dingy. Ironically, many of these foods are good for your overall health – so we’ve included tips to avoid discoloring your teeth.

Wine: Red wine is the obvious stain maker, but it turns out that white wine can discolor your teeth as well. Wine is highly acidic and softens the tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth immediately after drinking wine may cause even more damage by scratching the softened enamel layer. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking and brush after about 30 minutes to reduce damage.
Coffee: Everyone knows that coffee stains your teeth, but science has recently proven that our morning caffeine jolt has health benefits as well. Did you know that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet? Enjoy your coffee, just remember to brush with a soft-bristle tooth brush after finishing breakfast.
Sports Drinks: These drinks come in a rainbow of colors and the darker colors will stain more, but the real problem is the acid and sugar in these drinks. Again, acid softens up the enamel allowing the tooth to stain and then the sugar feeds the bacteria that live in the mouth.
Curry: Turmeric gives curry that wonderful yellow color and it does the same for your teeth. Combine that curry dish with leafy greens to help protect your smile and brush your teeth and tongue immediately after eating. Don’t avoid turmeric – because it is thought to protect against certain cancers.
Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and good for you nutrients blueberries should be a part of everyone’s diet. The deep color makes these berries, along with blackberries and raspberries among the top stain makers – so be sure you brush after eating.

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You can also help protect your smile by chew sugarless gum containing xylitol after enjoying anything on our top 5 list. Chewing gum stimulates your saliva which will help wash away food particles and has been proven to help strengthen teeth.

Over time our teeth stain and our smile becomes dingy. Professional dental beaching can give you back your white smile safely and comfortably. There are several whitening options available from Comfort Dental in Lafayette, IN. Check out this information about our Tooth Whitening in 3 Easy Steps.