What Foods Stain Teeth?

In this post, we review a list of some of the foods, drinks, and condiments that will cause staining of your teeth.

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Are your pearly whites looking less than…white?

The food you eat and drink actually has a huge impact on your teeth health.

In fact, many foods can actually stain teeth. Luckily, regular brushing and flossing can combat most staining.

Read below to find out what foods stain teeth.

Drinks That Stain Teeth

Drinks are some of the most common stain offenders. Many drinks contain acids and sugars which break down the enamel of teeth and can cause cavities. Some of these drinks, like tea and wine, have natural tannins in them which cause discoloration as they settle into the grooves of your teeth.

The best drink to avoid staining is, you guessed it: water!

Avoid these bev

erages:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Red & white wine
• Soda (any type)
• Sport drinks
• Fruit juice

Related: Worst drinks for your teeth

Condiments That Stain Teeth

There’s a common theme among these tooth-staining foods, acids and/or strong color. Most of these sauces and toppings can stain teeth due to their high acidic content and dark color. The combination makes for major stained teeth, even if the toppings are tasty.

Avoid these condiments for white teeth:

• Tomato Sauce
• Ketchup
• Curry
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce

Fruits and Veggies That Stain Teeth

While fruit and vegetables provide delicious nutrition to your body, they can also be hard on your teeth. The combination of sugars and acids make for the perfect tooth staining agents.

While avoiding fruit and vegetables is not a great suggestion as a whole, be sure to brush and floss after eating these tasty treats to keep your teeth white.

Stain offenders:

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Grapes
• Pomegranates
• Beets

Food Dye Stains Teeth

This should come as no surprise: if the food you eat stains your tongue it has the ability to stain your teeth. Think of sugary, brightly colored popsicles that turn your whole mouth blue. The intense color that is left on your tongue affects your teeth as well.

In addition, the repetitive licking allows the food dye to sit on your teeth longer. Many foods with strong food coloring like this also have high sugar content, which allows more damage to affect your teeth.

Avoid food dye heavy foods like:

• Popsicles
• Candy
• Gum
• Frosting (rainbows colors, especially)
• Lollipops

Related Post: Worst foods for your teeth

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