You work hard to take care of your smile and keep it healthy; you brush and floss every day, make regular dental visits every six months, and try to eat nutritious foods that won’t cause tooth decay. But despite all your efforts, are your teeth still yellow or dull-looking? If so, you’re not alone.
Many foods and drinks can stain your teeth over time, robbing you of your bright, confident smile. Let’s explore what’s causing these stains and what you can do about them.
What Foods and Drinks Cause Tooth Stains?
When you consume certain foods and drinks on a regular basis, they can stain your teeth.
Here are the most common things to watch out for:
- Coffee and tea — Both coffee and tea contain tannins that stick to tooth enamel and cause discoloration.
- Red wine — The pigments and acidity in red wine can stain your teeth.
- Dark berries — Any berries rich in color, such as blackberries, blueberries, and cherries, can lead to tooth stains.
- Tomato-based sauce — Ketchup and pasta sauce are acidic and have dark pigmentation. This can erode and stain your tooth enamel.
- Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar — These dark sauces are common staining agents.
- Colas and dark sodas — The sugar and acids in soda can weaken tooth enamel and cause stains.
What Can You Do to Prevent and Reverse Tooth Staining?
Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your smile from stains, such as:
- Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after eating or drinking something that can stain your teeth.
- Use a straw when you’re drinking tea, coffee, or soda. This will limit the exposure on your teeth.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away stains and neutralize acids in your mouth.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables to naturally scrub your teeth.
- Visit our office for regular dental cleanings twice a year.
- Ask our dental team about in-office and take-home GLO whitening treatments.
Want to Learn More About Teeth Whitening in Mesquite, TX?
Our experienced dental team is here to help if you have any questions about professional teeth whitening. We can discuss your smile goals and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
To schedule a cosmetic consultation or appointment, please get in touch with our office at (972) 270-2911.