We tend to enjoy as much food and drinks as possible. What we should also be mindful of is our oral health and how we can preserve it with the right care plan. Of course, we should also be mindful of the kind of foods that stain our teeth. We will be taking a look at the seven foods that are culprits when it comes to leaving unsightly stains on our teeth.

Some of them may do worse than stain them. Let’s go over the list of foods now so you can be able to tackle any stains left behind all by following an oral health care plan every day. Here we go.

How Do Certain Foods Stain Your Teeth?

If you’re wondering how foods that stain your teeth do the dirty deed (no pun intended), we will explain how. Let’s take a look at a couple of the key factors that cause stains including:

• Chromogens: These will be producing pigments that will stick to your tooth enamel.

• Acidity: Acidic foods and drinks can also weaken the tooth enamel. At the same time, it will make it easier for stains to settle in and potentially make it harder to remove.

• Tannins: This is another pigment that is typically found in coffee, tea, and dark-colored beverages. Like chromogens, they have the ability to cling to your teeth easily.

As such, when the three work together it can lead to stains that may be difficult to get rid of with just regular brushing. If you consume foods that stain your teeth, you want to make sure you brush and floss your teeth accordingly (preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour after consumption). The sooner you take care of your teeth after consumption of these foods, the better.

If you are undergoing orthodontics treatment, it is important to make sure that you pay attention to what you consume. Foods that stain your teeth can be hard to remove (especially if you are wearing braces and appliances may make it difficult to reach such places). When it comes to wearing braces near Hammonton NJ, your orthodontist will give you an idea of the kind of foods you can consume for a successful orthodontic treatment and oral health plan.

What Are The Foods That Stain Your Teeth?

Now that you have a good idea of how foods stand your teeth, we will be taking a look at the common seven culprits that may be the cause of it. Without further ado, let’s go over the following on the list:

1. Coffee and tea: Both of these beverages are rich in tannins, which are notorious for causing tooth discoloration. Obviously coffee and most teas are dark in color. The higher the tanning content, the more likely it will stain teeth.

2. Red wine: This features chromogens, tannins, and it’s also acidic. So it can be a major threat to your white teeth. As such, it may be a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after you have a glass. This will decrease the risk of stains being left behind. Don’t assume that a water rinse will be a substitute for brushing your teeth.

3. Berries: Whether it’s cherries, blueberries, or raspberries – these will contain natural pigments that can leave stans behind. Ironically, they may be good for your overall health. For your teeth, it’s an entirely different story. Have milk or water with your berries to minimize staining.

4. Tomato-based sauces: If you eat pizza, spaghetti, or even tacos with salsa, you’ll want to be aware of the fact that tomatoes are acidic. When eating something with these tomato-based sauces, there are some crunchy vegetables that can help reduce the risk of easy stains being left behind. Plus, it can be a good scrub for your teeth.

5. Soda and sugary drinks: Any dentist and orthodontist near you can tell you that dark sodas will be quite the threat when it comes to your teeth. Not only are they loaded with dark pigments, but they are also acidic. Thus, the likelihood of your tooth enamel being damaged is greater if you don’t take care of them after consumption. As it stands, cutting back on soda can be a better idea while opting for water or milk.

6. Beets: Yes, beets are good. But the stains they leave behind on your teeth are quite unsightly. Needless to say, brushing your teeth after eating beets might be the best thing to do after you’ve eaten them. Crazy that the foods that are good for you can stain your teeth, right?

7. Candy and sweets: There are candies and sweets that may contain artificial dyes. It may be enough to stain your teeth or lead to permanent discoloration. As such, you should consider the idea of consuming treats that contain natural ingredients. This way, you won’t have to worry about staining your teeth after eating something that you might enjoy (even if it’s just a little midnight snack).

There are plenty of other foods that stain your teeth. Yet, these seven are the most common. The important thing to remember is that brushing and flossing your teeth some time after consuming these foods will be critical. The longer you go without taking the best care of them, the more settled in the stains will be – making them an even greater challenge to get them removed just by brushing alone.

Final Thoughts

Foods that can stain your teeth can be a threat to your oral health. Especially if they are acidic and can damage the enamel. Not to mention, damaged enamel can make stains difficult to remove. As such, those who undergo orthodontic treatments should minimize or avoid consumption altogether. Centerton Orthodontics will be able to answer all your questions about what to eat and what to avoid during your orthodontic treatment. Even if you don’t wear braces, it should be a good idea to avoid foods that can be a danger to your oral health. For more information on setting an appointment for your orthodontic needs, call our office at 856-358-6800.