We all have that favorite white jacket, backpack or pair of shoes that are so easy to stain – all it takes is one accident, so we protect it with our life! So, why don’t we use this same caution with our teeth? While our smile is the first thing people see every day, we often get the day started with coffee, tea or soda – which are all some of the top teeth stainers out there!
Over time, these teeth staining culprits can leave a lasting mark on our teeth. In some cases, touching up our smile and eliminating those stains aren’t as easy as picking up a DIY whitening kit at the drugstore. So that you can best protect your teeth over time, we are diving into the top teeth stainers in this blog!
What Foods and Beverages Can Stain Your Teeth?
Yes, we hear this a lot – most of the items on this list are some of the more popular things to consume! While these products can stain your teeth when used in excess, there are ways to avoid, or correct those pesky stains, so that you don’t have to ditch them from your lifestyle completely. So that you can track your consumption of these stainers, here is a list of items to keep your eye on:
- Red wine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Berries
- Fruit juices
- Sodas such as Coke or Pepsi (dark cola)
- Energy drinks
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Food with colored dye
- Sweets such as dark chocolate
What Else Besides Food Can Stain My Teeth?
You guessed it, food and beverages are not the only culprits that can leave a mark on your teeth. Here are some of the common lifestyle choices that can interfere with the color and general health of your smile over time:
- Tobacco products
- Medications
- Natural aging
- Infections
- Tooth trauma
How Can I Avoid Staining My Teeth Without Giving Up The Things I Love?
Fortunately, you don’t have to eliminate your favorite snacks and beverages completely. We get it – sometimes that morning coffee is a must! Here are a few ways you can lower your risk of teeth staining, without having to eliminate those must-haves:
- Drink through a straw
- Reduce the use of these products as much as possible
- Rinse with water after consuming teeth staining foods or beverages
- Avoid tobacco products
- Schedule a professional whitening treatment with your dentist
If you are feeling a lack of confidence due to stained teeth, there is no need to worry! At Wellspring Dental, we have a variety of cosmetic dentistry options from a simple whitening treatment to more comprehensive solutions that are sure to put those stains to rest. Interested in learning more? Give our office a call!