Everyone’s teeth are different, and some people’s teeth are naturally whiter than others. However, there are foods that stain teeth more than others, and there are many external factors which intensify these changes.
Smoking, for example, is one thing that will stain teeth, but not everyone smokes.
All of us have to eat though, so being mindful of certain foods is wise when it comes to keeping your pearly whites…well, pearly.
Food that stain teeth if used too often
Check out these 5 foods which will have an effect on the whiteness of your teeth if not used in moderation.
Coffee and tea
It’s no surprise that coffee and tea stain teeth, but what is surprising, is the one that is worse.
It’s reasonable to assume that coffee would stain tooth enamel more because it’s darker, but in fact tea is one to watch out for here!
Black tea contains more of a compound called tannins, which are attracted to the protein in enamel, and therefore stick to your teeth easier and longer, causing them to stain.
Soft drinks
Pepsi, Coke, Gatorade, Red Bull… doesn’t matter what type, or even if it’s carbonated or not, these drinks are all bad for your teeth.
Not only are soft drinks full of sugar (14 sugar cubes in one can), but they are also highly acidic, and literally eat away at your tooth enamel – including the sugar-free ones.
Acidic Foods
Foods high in acids or alkaline, such as lemons and limes, don’t stain teeth per se, but rather damage the enamel coating on your teeth, which allows the dentin underneath to come through. Unfortunately, dentin is a yellowish colour and gives the impression that your teeth are stained.
Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries… basically anything you can make a pie out of! This family of fruits contain strong pigments which will stain teeth.
As a general rule of thumb, if they stain your fingers, mouth and clothes, they will stain your teeth!
Wine
We have bad news for all you wine lovers; both red and white wines are bad for your teeth.
Red wine is obviously darker, and contains those pesky tannins we talked about earlier, but surprisingly some research shows that white wine might actually be more staining than red. Either way, if you want to keep a set of nice, white teeth, then drinking wine in moderation is recommended.
Don’t panic, it’s not all bad news!
Okay, it may seem like everything we eat stains teeth, but there are plenty of foods out there which have a positive effect.
Cheese
Thankfully cheese is on the good list in this article! Dairy products such as cheese, milk and yoghurt contain plenty of calcium, which strengthens your teeth.
Research also shows that nibbling on cheese may lead to a higher pH level in the mouth, which reduces the risk for cavities.
Strawberries
Finally, a good kind of berry!
Strawberries contain malic acid, which is a natural tooth whitener, so feel free to munch away on these delicious fruits.
Nuts
Nuts are excellent for the health of your teeth as they have tremendous amounts of fibre, folic acid, calcium, and other vitamins.
Peanuts, for example, are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, and almonds offer good amounts of calcium, which is beneficial to both teeth and gums.
High-fibre fruits
High-fibre fruits, such as apples and pears, can help keep your teeth to remain nice and healthy. Not only is fresh fruit good for you, but the chewing of the fibrous content creates a natural scrubbing action, removing stains and loosening particles from your teeth.
Teeth whitening options on offer
Teeth whitening is more popular than ever, with treatments available in small, take-home packs from the supermarket, or full-on teeth whitening treatments from your dentist.
We provide a range of proven methods and treatments when it comes to teeth whitening.
We use the Smartbleach® teeth whitening system, and that, combined with a KTP Laser, will leave you with long-lasting white teeth.
Smartbleach® Laser teeth whitening is currently the gold standard in teeth whitening and is unlike any other system.
We also offer home tooth whitening kits, allowing you to have the treatment in the privacy of your own home.
We provide the best take home kits available with the added benefit of oversight by a professional to maximize results.
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, then call us today on +61 2 9233 3301.
Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to help in any way we can.