Have you noticed your smile is looking a little darker lately? You have stains on your teeth. How did your beautiful white teeth start discolouring?
Some of the foods you are eating, and your favourite drinks might be contributing to your stained dentin.
Berries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cranberries have staining capabilities. When you bite into these little bits of goodness, yes, you are getting antioxidants, but you are also releasing juices that can stain your teeth.
The workday is over and it’s time for a glass of sangria or delicious red wine. Red wine has tannins that take over and add unwanted colour to your teeth. Tannins have a chemical compound that sticks to your teeth and is also known to dye materials. Sangria though not pure red wine contains fruits which only adds to the complication of stained teeth. The mixture of fruit juice and wine are great at staining your lovely white dentin. Combined with the acid levels in red wine, this tasty drink can cause your teeth to change colour as it weakens the dentin, fortifying the stain.
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One good thing about red wine is that it helps keep cavities away. How does red wine help you avoid dental fillings? The polyphenols or micronutrients in red wine are a shield against the bad bacteria which lends itself to cavities.
Do you feel like Indian food for supper? You might be filling your tummy with deliciousness but you are causing your teeth to stain. Curries create yellow stains on your teeth due to the strong pigment of the various spices it contains.
Do you love your morning coffee but hate what it does to your teeth? It might give you that jolt you need to start your day off but coffee causes your teeth to change shades due to the dark colour and acid levels. Your teeth become porous with the more coffee you drink, opening up gateways for these staining ingredients to attack your dentin.
You might love the tangy flavour of balsamic vinegar but it can stain your teeth through its rich dark pigment. Some varieties have high sugar levels making it quite sticky, attaching to your teeth with ease giving you a less than white smile.
These foods that stain your teeth may best be indulged only once in a while. A continual diet of foods full of colour is good for your health so how can you enjoy them without causing harm to your oral cavity? Balsamic vinegar, for instance, might best be eaten on a salad with lettuce as the lettuce helps wash away the vinegar you are putting in your mouth. You can also take care to visit the dentist often to check for signs of discolouration or cavities.
What is a great way to repair stained teeth and get your smile back? Professional teeth whitening. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for this treatment.
Don’t avoid the many benefits from some of these foods and drinks just because they have staining properties. Make sure you are extra careful to clean your teeth well after indulging in your favourite food and drink.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on February 13, 2020
