Stain-resistant teeth are a tooth’s best friend. After all, this is the one thing you can rely on your teeth for throughout your life. Take care of them, and they will take care of you throughout your life. Staining your teeth has become an epidemic! You can be doing the right thing for yourself by avoiding these six foods below, and if you’re self-conscious about any stains you have, visit your dentist to speak about whitening services.
1- Red Onions
Onions, carrots, and beets can leave unsightly black spots on your teeth. This is because these foods contain an enzyme called alliinase that causes the formation of melanin. Melanin is a protein naturally produced in the body to protect against excessive UV rays from the sun and other sources. However, our diets are full of foods that block this protection.
2- Coffee
If you love your morning cup of coffee, don’t drink it right before bedtime. It depletes calcium in the bones and teeth. Not only is this bad for the bones and teeth, but it also interrupts your sleep. If you can give up caffeine altogether, you will keep your teeth much healthier than if you don’t give it up at all. If you can’t give it up, at least cut down on your intake!
3- Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar may be one of your favorite condiments. It is a tasty addition to any meal and can give you that extra something that makes a meal memorable. However, this vinegar is highly acidic and will lead to cavity formation if consumed excessively. Avoid this at all costs. Your teeth will thank you for it later in life.
4- Popcorn
Popcorn can leave a film on your teeth quickly if you aren’t careful about how often you consume it. This is because the hull is tough to get off the popcorn and can easily get stuck in between the teeth. The hull of the popcorn has a coating on it that prevents this from happening, just as watermelon seeds do. However, watermelon seeds are better for you than popcorn seeds because they don’t have that coating or residue.
5- Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C supplements can cause an increase in plaque if you don’t drink enough water when you take these supplements. This can stain your teeth and lead to cavities. Drink a lot of water when you take these supplements instead of soda or other sugary beverages. The water from the supplements will help to flush the toxins out of your mouth, and you will notice a difference in a short amount of time.
6- Wine and Dark Soda
Darker sodas are significantly staining as well as wine. This is due to their high sugar content. If you’re going to have wine with dinner, wash your teeth thoroughly afterward. You can rub some baking soda on your teeth if they need a little extra attention and sensitivity after drinking something acidic like wine or soda. Wine can stain your teeth, even if you are drinking it. The reason for this is that all wines have some acidity to them. This is unavoidable, and the only way to avoid this staining is to give up wine altogether.
These six foods will cause staining of your teeth due to their chemicals. Eating various foods and making sure that you also brush and floss every day will help you have strong teeth and gums throughout your life.