Concerned about stained teeth?

One of the most common cosmetic dental issues we come across is how to handle stained teeth. Over time, our enamel becomes weaker and thus, our teeth become more prone to stains. To make matters worse, there are plenty of foods which can increase visibility and cause staining. Due to either their coloring or enamel weakening properties, you’ll want to avoid consuming large quantities of these foods and drinks, especially if you’re concerned about stained teeth. Of course, eating or drinking any of these foods or drinks listed in moderation can go a long way to prevent stains.

Coffee and Tea

We know this isn’t going to make us popular, but these are some of the worst staining beverages that you can consume. Understanding the corrosive nature of these beverages is important to keep your smile white. Limiting how much you consume is your best bet to avoiding stained teeth from coffee and tea.

Berries

We know that berries are incredibly beneficial to our health from their nutrition standpoint, but they are also rough on our teeth. The elements in berries that stain our teeth are what make them so nutritious, to begin with. Your best course of action is to rinse your mouth with water after you’ve consumed them.

Pasta Sauce

These sauces contain high acidity along with staining properties that truly impact the color of your teeth. You can prevent stained teeth by eating things like broccoli, spinach, and other densely green veggies before consuming deep red pasta sauces.

Curry

Like pasta sauce, curry contains many acidic properties that can leave the wrong impression on your palate. A good course of action is to ensure you’re eating plenty of veggies along with your curry to help protect the enamel of your teeth.

White and, especially, Red Wine

Wines are incredibly high in acid and tannins that work to erode your enamel and penetrate your teeth layers deep. Limiting wine consumption is your best course of action, as well as having other benefits for moderating alcohol consumption.

Dark Sauces and Dressings

If a condiment can stain your clothes, chances are it can stain your teeth. Salad dressings laced with balsamic vinegar can do a number on your teeth. Sushi lovers may also want to be aware of staining properties in soy sauce.

Prevent stained teeth by additional oral hygiene efforts

Rinsing with room temperature water after you’ve consumed food or drink can help prevent stains on teeth from setting. Completing this task after eating or drinking also has other oral health benefits and can help with cavity prevention.

If you’re concerned about stained teeth, additional teeth brushing with whitening toothpaste can help prevent issues. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to recommend a whitening toothpaste. However, be wary of the acidity of your mouth immediately after you consume food or drink. The enamel can remain in a weakened state for a period afterwards. The weakened state is caused by the food or drink or your own saliva, used by your body to aid in swallowing and digestion. We recommend waiting for a full 15-minutes after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth to give your mouth time to clear out the excess saliva.

What can you do if you already have stained teeth?

If your teeth already have staining and you would like to address the issue, please reach out to our team. We have several cosmetic dental procedures which can reverse stained teeth and increase your mouth health.  Visit our website and use our contact us form to reach out to us today, or call the office at 204-817-8915.