Let`s admit it! We often get envious of people who have whiter teeth than us. Research shows that people with whiter teeth are perceived as more socially competent, smarter, more satisfied with their relationships, and more likely to get a job or a promotion. 
Here are some of the worst foods and drinks for the colour of your teeth:
- Citrus and Acidic Foods- If you notice a yellowish tinge to your teeth, acidic food and drinks might be to blame. These colourful eats can erode (wear away) enamel.
- Coffee- Coffee contains tannins (acidic polyphenols) that lead to staining to staining and discoloration and it is also acidic which alters the pH balance of your mouth.
- Sweets- The sugars in delicious treats like cookies and hard sweets (and even snack foods like crisps) latch onto your teeth and become the main meal for the bacteria in your mouth. When the bacteria feed off these sugars, they release acids that lead to tooth decay, which may be dark and cause back holes in your poor teeth.
- Fizzy Drinks- Anything carbonated is also acidic and can create holes in the teeth and can wear down the enamel—and this includes sugar-free versions too.
- Tea- Just like coffee, tea also contains the staining saboteurs known as tannins, so sipping on a cup of chamomile may lead to stains.
- Blueberries, Blackberries, and Pomegranates- While they may be chock-full of antioxidants, these richly pigmented berries have a serious stain game. Maddahi’s rule of thumb when it comes to these little superfoods: If it’s difficult to remove their stain from clothing, it’s going to be difficult removing it from teeth.
- Red wine- Wine, same as tea and coffee, contains tannins which may be responsible for teeth that’ve turned shades of gray—which, unluckily, is a harder hue to remove than yellowish stains.
- Curry – spices that works well in Indian food and exotic dishes, are also a cause of discolored teeth. Its deep pigmentation can yellow teeth over time. Due to its high staining factor, curry is something you may want to limit in your diet. Whenever you dine on curry-spiced food, mix in fresh fruits and vegetables that prevent stains, such as apples, carrots, cauliflower and celery.
- Pasta/Tomato sauce – Because of their acidity, bright red hue and tendency to cling to the teeth, the tomatoes in pasta sauce can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining. Dine on some dark green veggies, such as broccoli, kale and spinach, beforehand to create a protective film over the teeth. The film will ward off tomatoes’ staining effect, so spring for a green salad as an appetizer.
Tips to Combat Stained Teeth
– A healthy diet and a change of habits can prevent tooth stains and preserve your pristine smile. Enjoy your favorite foods, but use caution. Moderation is key when it comes to foods and drinks that discolour your teeth.
-If you choose water over other beverages, and if you make sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking, you can significantly improve your smile. Stay on top of your brushing and flossing, too. Flossing helps remove the pesky plaque that builds up between teeth and the gum line and attracts stains. Brushing removes food particles before they have the chance to cause a stain.
– Use stain-removing toothpaste which have remove superficial staining that has built up on the outer surface of your teeth.
– For superior removal of external staining, book in with our hygienist for a diamond polish which includes air flow treatment, which is specifically for stain removal and is very effective.
– To improve the colour of your teeth where the staining has penetrated inside the teeth, you may wish to consider a course of teeth whitening to freshen up and brighten your smile.
If you would like any further advice or help to improve your smile give us a call on 020 88884401.
