According to dentists, diet could be one of the primary reasons why your teeth change color. Tinted and colored foods are the biggest offenders, as they tend to stain teeth slowly but permanently over time. The color in colored food and beverages comes from chromogens or intensely pigmented molecules. These molecules have a tendency to latch on to dental enamel causing the color change. Moreover, poor oral hygiene and acidic foods can also damage the enamel on a microscopic level increasing the dental staining.

Foods to Avoid

1. Colored acidic beverages – Tea, wine, and coffee are the 3 drinks that will stain your teeth. These beverages are always acidic, and they etch the dental enamel surface roughening it. The rough surface then picks up stains quickly, and these stains are tough to remove.

2. Sauces – Colored sauces like soy sauce, tomato sauce, curry sauce, etc. are also deeply colored and acidic in nature. They do have significant staining potential but rinsing your mouth after a meal should help in controlling the stains. You can also try to switch over to non-colored white sauces to decrease the staining potential.

3. Colored Berries – Strawberries, pomegranates, blueberries, etc. are very nutritious, but they contain highly colored molecules that are very attracted to dental enamel. These berries are also very acidic, and this can increase the stains that form on the surface of teeth. Be sure to brush and floss to prevent permanent damage.
Preventive Steps

It is not realistically possible to cut out all these food items from your diet. Sip beverages like tea, coffee and cola with a straw to prevent dental damage and rinse your mouth immediately after. Do not let colored food items and beverages remain in your mouth for a long time; instead swallow them quickly and rinse your mouth immediately. We do recommend that you eat colored elements in moderation and brush your teeth immediately afterward.

If possible, switch over to neutral colored food items like cauliflower, grapefruit, and melons to prevent dental damage. To ensure clean and healthy teeth, we also recommend you visit your dentist every six months. Your dentist will carry out a procedure called a scaling and polishing which will remove superficial stains and polish the dental enamel surface to remove the acid-induced roughness. The dentist will suggest you which oral care products are best ones for you and your family.

This content was sponsored by Dr. Ryan Michelson DDS – This sponsor DID NOT produce nor provide this content.