Oral care is the first step to a white smile and the second half is what you eat and drink. To help you make the most of it we've put together a list of 10 foods that are likely to discolour and change the colour of your teeth.
1. Oral hygiene
Inadequate oral hygiene is generally implicated not only in tooth discolouration, but more importantly in tooth damage. Plaque deposits not only cause unpleasant bad breath and yellow teeth, but also tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and can affect other diseases throughout the body.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before going to bed, and after brushing in the evening, you should eat nothing and drink only water.
"Brush the teeth mechanically with a soft-fibred toothbrush, especially in the cervical area, so that the fibres reach the gingival groove of each tooth, making small circular movements. Once you have cleaned the front of the teeth, i.e. the areas in contact with the lips and cheek, you should also clean the areas in contact with the tongue, i.e. the back of the teeth, using the same movement and the brush. We should not forget about the back surfaces of the last molars," advises the dentist. At least in the evening, the spaces between the teeth should be cleaned with a toothbrush and dental floss.
Ideally, a toothbrush with as many filaments as possible and that the filaments are sufficiently fine. That's why many of our customers recommend ours! Not only do they enjoy brushing, but the perfect feeling after brushing... you have to try it for yourself.
2. Coffee
Unsurprisingly, the first place on our list is coffee. Coffee beans contain a natural compound known as tannins, a secret ingredient that gives them a dry, bitter taste. Unfortunately, tannins are also the culprit behind the stains and discoloration that come with your morning cup.
3. Tea
If you've switched to tea after learning that coffee stains your teeth, we've got bad news for you. Just like coffee, tea also contains tannins. The darker the tea, the more likely it is to cause stains. Even herbal and white teas aren't the best, as they can still wear enamel and discolor your teeth.
Some dentists even say that the higher the quality of the tea, the less staining occurs.
4. Wine
Wine can be responsible for any gray discoloration of your teeth. The bad news is that gray shades are much more difficult to remove than yellow ones. The good news is that wine contains many natural antioxidants that detoxify the mouth and help fight cavities.
We have a rule that if drinking can stain your clothes so can your teeth. You may not know that white wine can be just as bad for your teeth as red. White wine is much more acidic, so while it doesn't directly cause discoloration, it can be responsible for allowing existing stains to sink in deeper.
5. Carbonated drinks
Coca Cola tops the list of culprits, but even lighter drinks can cause stains. All carbonated beverages have acidic properties that create small holes in tooth enamel.
6. Tomato paste
Yep, you heard us right - your favorite pasta can cause worse shade. Tomatoes are a major component of the blame here, due to their acidity, bright red color, and tendency to stick to your teeth. Unfortunately, anything that is heavily tomato-based can stain your teeth. Still, tomatoes are high in antioxidants and rich in the vitamins your body needs.
To prevent stains, wash with water shortly after eating as always:)
7. Curry sauce
There is no exception for curry sauce, which is just as bad for your teeth. The deep pigmentation of these sauces gives Indian dishes a dark color and causes them to develop yellow stains over time.
8. Soy sauce
Any dark sauce or liquid will leave stains on your teeth, but soy sauce is particularly potent because of its high concentration.
In addition, soy sauce contains a high sodium content. Limiting intake can be beneficial not only for preventing shade deterioration, but also for lowering blood pressure.
9. Balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a popular salad alternative. Unfortunately, it joins the list as another dark-colored liquid that stains your teeth. Balsamic vinegar also has acidic properties, which means it's likely to stick to your teeth and break down enamel.
10. Ice cream and sweets
As a rule of thumb, any candy that causes discoloration of the tongue can also stain your teeth. If you love popsicles, be sure to avoid dark coloring.
11. Fruits
Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates and other fruits are on the list of foods that can stain your teeth. Like tomatoes, the antioxidants in these fruits have health benefits, but they leave dark stains after eating them.
12. Smoking
The teeth and oral cavity are also very negatively affected by smoking. "Toxic substances from cigarette smoke disrupt the chemical balance in the mouth, facilitating the formation of plaque and increasing tooth decay and the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis," says dentist Jakub Váša of the Jan Stuchlík Dental Clinic.
"As far as the effect on tooth colour is concerned, smoking leads to yellowing of the teeth or brownish-black discolouration of the surface of teeth and dentures," warns the dentist.
