17 Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

foods that stain your teeth, top ten teeth-staining foods, surprising foods that can stain your teeth

17 Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

Stained teeth are a very common problem. Most people experience yellowing, darkening, or discoloration at some point in their lifetimes. Even with regular brushing and flossing, you may not have as bright of a smile as you’d like. 

To keep your teeth white, you need to know how they get stained in the first place! Want to learn more about the main culprits when it comes to foods that stain your teeth? Here’s a list of foods to avoid—some of them may surprise you!

Top Ten Teeth-Staining Foods

      1. Coffee: We don’t think this one needs much explaining, because the fact that this favorite morning beverage can stain your teeth is something all coffee lovers know. If you like to sip your coffee slowly throughout the morning, say two hours or more, you have an even higher risk. To avoid stains after drinking coffee, rinse your mouth with water for 30 seconds and then brush your teeth 30 minutes later. 

 

      1. Dark-colored sodas and sports drinks: Dark-colored sodas like Pepsi can indeed stain your teeth over time. The pigments in these beverages, combined with their acidity, is what harms your teeth. Sports drinks and flavored waters with vibrant dyes, such as red Gatorade or purple Vitamin Water, can also stain your teeth.

 

      1. Red wine: Many wine drinkers notice nearly immediate stains after enjoying a glass or two. Red wine stains your teeth primarily because it contains anthocyanins, pigments that stick to your tooth enamel. It also contains tannins, which increases the potential for staining by weakening the tooth enamel. To minimize staining, drink water along with your wine, and be sure not to skip your brushing and flossing routine before bed. 

 

      1. Black tea: Similar to red wine, it’s the tannins in black tea that cause staining. You may not notice the effects at first, but after several weeks or months, tea will start to stain your teeth. 

 

      1. Tomato juice, sauce, or soup: Tomato-based sauces and soups like chili will also stain your teeth. Tomatoes contain deep red pigments, such as lycopene, which can adhere to the tooth enamel.

 

      1. Artificially-colored candy: Brightly-colored candies, like those with red, blue, or purple hues, can stain your smile thanks to their intense pigments. Sticky treats, like caramel or taffy, love to cling to your teeth and hold onto those pigments. Plus, the sugary goodness can encourage plaque buildup, which we all know contributes to tooth decay.

 

      1. Dark chocolate: Because of its rich pigments and (again) tannins, chocolate is another food on the list of those that stain your teeth. 

 

      1. Citrus fruits or juices: Citrus foods are less likely to stain your teeth compared to pigmented foods, but their high acidity can erode enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to staining from other sources. For example, they’re more likely to cause stains when eaten alongside berries, candies, or chocolates. 

 

      1. Curry dishes: Many of the spices in curry dishes can stain your teeth because their rich yellow and red pigments (like curcumin) can stick to your tooth enamel. The spices and acids in curry can also weaken the enamel, making it easier for pigments to settle and cause stains.

 

      1. Processed foods with a lot of dye: The artificial dyes in processed snacks like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos will cling to your teeth and cause temporary discoloration. However, these stains are usually easy to keep under control with good dental hygiene habits

Seven Surprising Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

Some of the foods on the list above may seem obvious—like coffee and red wine. But there’s another list of foods to watch out for that aren’t as obvious. For example, things like fresh berries and soy sauce can surprisingly leave stains.

      1. Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, and even strawberries can leave stains due to their rich pigments.
      2. Beets: These vibrant root vegetables may leave a lasting mark on your teeth if you juice them or eat them regularly. 
      3. Soy Sauce: This dark condiment can cause stains, especially if used frequently.
      4. Popsicles: Brightly colored varieties can sometimes leave traces of dye on your teeth.
      5. Red Grapes: Similar to berries, their dark pigment can affect tooth color.
      6. Balsamic Vinegar: Its dark color can contribute to staining, especially with frequent use.

Teeth Whitening Treatments in the Greater Sun Lakes Area

Your teeth will naturally start to look more yellow as you age, which can make you self-conscious about your smile. Teeth can become discolored for many reasons: from the things you eat, from thinning enamel, and even as a side effect of certain medications. 

If you have discolored teeth, and you’ve been looking for an effective way to whiten them, our dentists are here to help! Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti offer professional whitening kits that adults can use at home to safely brighten their smiles, with long-lasting results. Contact our office in Sun Lakes to schedule a consultation for teeth whitening today. 

Image by chico明 from Pixabay on 8.15.2024 | used under the creative commons license