Maintaining white teeth is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, by making a few simple changes to your diet and avoiding certain foods and drinks, you can keep your pearly whites shining for years to come. Below are eight foods and beverages you should avoid to maintain healthy teeth and prevent staining.
1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the most common culprits for teeth staining. The dark color of coffee can cause discoloration, especially if you drink it daily. If you can’t give up coffee, try adding a little soy milk to lighten the color and reduce staining. After drinking coffee, brush your teeth to remove residual stains.
2. Tea
Like coffee, tea can also cause staining due to its dark color. If you’re a tea drinker, try to avoid letting the tea steep for too long, making the color darker and more likely to stain your teeth. You can also try adding milk to lighten the color of the tea.
3. Wine
Wine is another common culprit for teeth staining. The acidity in wine can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to staining. If you enjoy wine, try using a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. After drinking wine, brush your teeth to remove residual stains.
4. Soda
Soda is one of the worst things you can drink for your teeth. Soda’s high sugar and acid content can cause tooth decay and staining. If you must drink soda, try limiting your intake and brushing your teeth shortly after drinking to remove any residual stains.
5. Juice
Juice is another beverage that can cause staining due to its high acid and sugar content. If you enjoy drinking juice, try limiting your intake and brushing your teeth shortly after drinking to remove any residual stains.
6. Beets
Beets are a food that can cause teeth staining. This is because the pigments in beets are very dark and can easily adhere to the enamel on your teeth. If you enjoy eating beets, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out afterward to avoid staining.
7. Red Wine
Red wine is another drink that can cause tooth staining. The pigments in red wine are very dark and can easily adhere to the enamel on your teeth. If you enjoy drinking red wine, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out afterward to avoid any staining.
8. Tobacco
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of teeth staining. If you smoke or chew tobacco, your teeth will become stained a yellow or brown. Quitting tobacco is the best way to avoid staining, but if you can’t quit, try brushing your teeth shortly after using tobacco to remove any residual stains.
These are just a few foods and drinks that can cause staining. By avoiding these, you can help keep your teeth looking their best. Remember to brush regularly and see your dentist for regular cleanings to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
