Are you tired of your teeth looking yellowed and dull, but not sure what’s making them that way? We have drawn up a list of some of the worst teeth-staining foods that make it difficult to maintain a pearly white smile. And, because we all like to indulge once in a while, we have included a few stain-fighting foods that help ward off unwanted discolouration.
Foods that Stain Teeth
Looking to keep your teeth as white as can be? Steer clear of these staining culprits; they're ferocious foods that stain teeth after whitening.
- Pasta Sauce - The tomatoes in pasta sauce contain the perfect storm of staining properties that leave your teeth vulnerable. Due to its acidity, bright red colour, and tendency to cling to your teeth, pasta sauce can easily penetrate the enamel and leave unsightly stains.
- TIP: Before diving into your Italian delight, try eating a salad or dark greens, like kale, spinach, or broccoli. These foods create a thin film over your teeth that will help protect your teeth from the staining effects of tomatoes.
- Curry - Commonly found in Indian dishes, curry is equally delicious and highly pigmented. Its deep yellow hue can stain teeth over time, so it’s best to limit it in your diet.
- TIP: Whenever you indulge in curried food, accompany it with stain-preventing fruits or vegetables like apples, carrots, celery, or cucumbers.
- Balsamic Vinegar - It can make a delicious salad dressing, but it also packs a punch on the colour of your teeth. With its dark colour and tendency to stick to your teeth, balsamic vinegar can stain your teeth if not washed away quickly.
- TIP: Next time you enjoy a salad with balsamic dressing, toss in some crunchy lettuce. Eating crunchy lettuce will help remove the balsamic vinegar from your teeth as you chew.
- Berries - Berries are packed full of antioxidants, but they also contain lots of staining properties. The strong colours in raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries, paired with the acidity of the fruits, can cause staining whether they’re eaten whole, as a jam or jelly, or consumed as a juice.
- TIP: Drink something after you eat berries. Water will rinse your mouth and can help keep the staining effect under control. A glass of milk will neutralise the acidity of the berries and strengthen teeth.
- Certain beverages - Drinks can be some of the worst culprits when it comes to staining teeth. Between acidity and colour, drinks like coffee, tea, wine, sodas, and sports drinks can stain teeth and contribute to enamel erosion.
- TIP: Drinking through a straw helps keep staining dyes away from your teeth. Get a pack of straws for your home or office and always have one handy when you are craving a teeth-staining drink.
