Which Foods Actually Stain Teeth?

Have you ever noticed that all seems well when you leave your dentist’s office after your check-up and professional cleaning? You have more pep in your step and feel more confident than when you arrived. It’s amazing what a bright, beautiful smile can do.

Then, about five months or so later, after enjoying all your favorite foods and drinks, evidence of a life well-lived catches up with you. It takes a toll on your smile. Dr. Marcano shares his insights on teeth staining and foods that are common offenders.

Tooth discoloration and stains

When you think about issues with the whiteness of your smile, it’s natural to chalk them up to stains. With dull, less-than-stellar smiles, there are usually two things going on: discoloration and staining.

Three categories of issues can ruin the esthetics of your smile: intrinsic and extrinsic stains and discoloration related to aging and natural wear and tear.

Tooth discoloration

Tooth discoloration happens when the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, wears thin. It’s usually a matter of the combined effects of acidic beverages or foods, chewing, and wear and tear, which allows the inner layer of your tooth, called dentin, to show through. When this happens, your teeth can appear yellowish since dentin is naturally brown or deep yellow.

Intrinsic stains

Similar to tooth discoloration, intrinsic stains also damage enamel, but this time, trauma, injuries, or certain medicines like tetracycline antibiotics are the culprits. Excess fluoride use may also trigger intrinsic stains. 

Extrinsic stains

The vast majority of tooth stains are extrinsic stains or surface stains that affect the enamel layer. Extrinsic stains result from certain foods or beverages that are acidic or highly pigmented. The good news is that teeth whitening is the most effective treatment for extrinsic stains.

Whitening treatment options typically have limited results on intrinsic stains. Depending on the severity and location of the stains, your dental provider may address the issue with other cosmetic dentistry treatment options, like veneers, dental crowns, or dental bonding.

Common food and beverage nemeses to bright smiles

Cutting back on beverages and foods that can stain is a significant first step in maintaining a bright smile. Think colorful, carbonated, and acidic.

Colorful, highly pigmented

Colorful beverages and foods can pack a powerful punch for your smile. The top beverages in this category are teas, particularly black tea and coffee. Red wine is another popular stain-producer.

Brightly colored spices like curry and turmeric can also stain your teeth. Some foods like berries may be great, healthy sources of antioxidants and wreak havoc on your smile. Included here are blueberries, raspberries, pomegranates, blackberries, and cranberries. And guess what? These berries aren’t just colorful but also acidic.  

Carbonated beverages

While you may think colas and other dark-colored drinks are the major stain-producing culprits in this category. Not so. Seltzers and sports drinks do their fair share of staining regardless of whether they are clear or sugar-free. These types of beverages also are often highly acidic.

Acidic foods

Tomatoes and tomato products are leading acidic offenders, as are ingredients like vinegar and soy sauce. Like other stain producers, many acidic foods and ingredients may also contain sugar. Balsamic vinegar is just one of these dubious double offenders.

Limit the effects with routine cleanings and in-office whitening

Eliminating stain-producing foods and beverages can be unrealistic, but there are many ways that you can limit the impact these offenders have on your smile.

Drinking water or milk with or after enjoying common stain producers can help rinse away those colorful pigments and neutralize the acidic content. Remember that routine professional cleaning isn’t underestimated for maintaining a bright, healthy smile.

In-office whitening for a perfect reset

Whether you have an upcoming special event like a wedding or reunion or want to treat yourself to your best smile, in-office whitening treatment provides optimal outcomes.

Here at Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we use one of the industry’s leading teeth whitening systems, Philips ZOOM!, to help our patients get a beautiful, bright smile in the time it takes to get lunch. The best part about ZOOM! In-office whitening means you get to sit back and relax. With ZOOM! You can get gorgeous, brighter teeth to the tune of up to eight shades brighter during an hour-long appointment. No decisions. No guesswork. Just beautiful white teeth.

If your teeth are stained or dull and you want to learn if teeth whitening is right for you, request a consultation at Orlando Center For Cosmetic Dentistry. You can schedule your appointment by clicking the online booking tool or calling the office today at 689-220-2651.