Reduce tooth stains with healthy foods.

There are many foods and drinks out there that can cause stains on our teeth. Many of them, like coffee, red wine, pasta sauce, and dark colored vegetables and berries, contain tannins, which cause staining on our teeth. While it is impossible to completely cut out foods and drinks containing tannins, and other tooth staining elements, there are foods and beverages you can consume that may help fight off stains caused by what we consume.

Common Causes of Tooth Stains

As mentioned above, tannins are associated with red wine, tomatoes, and coffee, all of which stain teeth over time. Another major cause of tooth staining is smoking and tobacco use. This gives tobacco users another reason to quit—the sooner you quit, the sooner you can see the stains on your teeth lessen.

Other foods that can cause staining on teeth are ones that contain pigmented spices, like curries, or highly acidic foods, like citrus fruit or candy. Anything high in acid can, over time, eat away at the enamel on the teeth, making them more susceptible to staining.

Other common foods and drinks that cause staining on teeth are:

• Balsamic vinegar
• Beets
• Candy
• Carbonated drinks
• Curry
• Soy sauce

Foods That Help Reduce Tooth Staining

Now that you know which foods to avoid, you may be wondering if there are any healthy foods that can help combat tooth stains. They are as follows.

• Apples and pears: While many dark colored berries can cause tooth staining, crunchy fruits with lighter-colored flesh can help keep your teeth white. Those types of fruits include apples and pears. Because these fruits require a lot of chewing, they can help swipe away plaque and bacteria that build up on teeth. These fruits also help stimulate saliva, which helps wash away bacteria and keeps your mouth’s pH in balance.
• Dairy products: Dairy products are high in calcium, which is a mineral that helps make teeth and bones strong. The calcium in dairy products aid in repairing tooth enamel over time. This helps keep stains away! Look for low-fat options like cheese, yogurt, and milk, when choosing dairy options.
• Raw veggies: Crunchy, raw vegetables are not only good for your health because they are packed with vitamins and minerals, but their fibrous texture can act as a natural toothbrush. As you chew veggies like celery and carrots, their texture can help sweep away anything that is on your teeth. Vegetables also stimulate saliva to help wash away the bacteria from your mouth.
• Water: Water is great for so many reasons. It helps neutralize the pH balance in your mouth, neutralizing acids that attack the enamel on the teeth. Water can also help naturally wash away any bacteria or food particles in your mouth. If you can’t brush your teeth right away after meals, many dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with water to help keep foods and drinks from staining your teeth.

Preventing Tooth Staining

If you are looking for ways to help keep your teeth white naturally, consuming any of the above foods and drinks can help you keep your teeth healthy and white. Drinking water throughout the day is one of the best things you can do to not only keep yourself healthy, but to wash away any food particles or bacteria that are in your mouth.

In fact, dentists recommend sipping on water throughout the day instead of coffee, tea, fruit juices, and carbonated beverages, because prolonged exposure to sugars and acid can wear down the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to staining, or even worse, cavities and tooth decay.

Another way to help prevent tooth staining is by keeping up with an oral health routine. That includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, as well as flossing at least once a day.

Getting Your Dental Checkups

A great way to make sure your teeth stay in good shape is by having biannual dental checkups at Luminous Smiles with Dr. Desai. Dr. Desai is the only female dentist in the Newport Beach, California, area who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The honor is hard to earn, as only about 500 dentists across the country have the title.

So, know you are in good hands when you visit Luminous Smiles. During a biannual dental checkup, our team will give you a complete dental evaluation that includes dental X-rays and a professional cleaning. Keeping on top of your oral health is essential to keeping your teeth white, so make sure you book your appointment today.