When a dentist looks into your mouth, we can tell what foods and drinks you love the most. How? By the shade of your smile! The color of your teeth will change over time, especially if they’re exposed to these staining substances. Which foods and drinks change the color of your teeth? Dr. Nawrocki will explore these staining factors and even help you reverse them if you visit our office for teeth whitening in Cocoa Beach!
Patients with White Teeth, Proceed with Caution!
Do you maintain great dental hygiene habits at home, but have still noticed your smile darken despite your best efforts? Although it’s not ideal for your smile, it’s completely natural. In fact, it could be from the foods and drinks you enjoy too often. You can further help your teeth stay luminous by avoiding these items in your diet.
Dark Fruits & Veggies
Of course, it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. That means that you should be eating lots of fruits and vegetables—including berries or other dark colored vegetables. But be cautious of your consumption! When it comes to your teeth, some of those healthy foods can leave lingering stains. The high acid levels in blackberries, beets, tomatoes, and blueberries can weaken tooth enamel. This makes it easier for the dark pigment in these foods changes the color of your teeth over time. You can combat their stain power by washing these snacks down with plenty of water right after eating them.
Various Sauces
Believe it or not, even the sauces we enjoy along with other foods may cause your teeth to darken over time, especially if you’re constantly exposing yourself to them. Curry, tomato sauce, and soy sauce have all left their marks on patient’s teeth—literally.
Red Wine
While research has shown that there are some heart healthy benefits to red wine, excessive consumption can hurt both your body and your teeth—especially when it comes to staining. Just like with dark fruits and vegetables, red wine has the similar enamel weakening acid and dark pigment that threaten the strength and whiteness of your teeth. To complicate matters, red wine contains higher amounts of sugar that can lead to tooth decay. Oh, and don’t forget how alcohol consumption leaves your mouth dehydrated without much natural saliva to naturally clean the areas in your mouth. Your Cocoa Beach dentist always says, “It’s always best to drink water before anything else for your teeth.”
Coffee
Have you ever left your coffee put unrinsed for a few days? Those stains set in overnight! Imagine what coffee does to your teeth. The extra flavors and sweeteners we add into our morning beverage are also sugary, breaking down enamel. You can lessen the impact of coffee on your teeth by rinsing your mouth with water, brushing and flossing daily, and reduce your coffee intake to just the morning time rather than sipping it throughout the day at work.
Dr. Nawrocki can Brighten Your Smile!
Have the foods and beverages you love betrayed your smile by leaving dark stains on your teeth? Don’t fret. Dr. Nawrocki offers professional teeth whitening in his office and at home! If you’re ready to smile with bright white teeth again, contact your cosmetic dentist in Cocoa Beach to schedule your next appointment with us.