4 Common Foods and Beverages to Avoid to Keep Your Healthy, White Smile

Last updated 3 months ago

The enamel on your teeth is harder than your bone, but that doesn’t mean it is impervious to the food you eat. Sugary and darkly colored foods can cause your teeth to break down and become stained, and certain foods and beverages are far worse than others. For a look at foods you should avoid, see the list below.

Coffee and Tea: For many people, it is hard to start the day without a hot cup of coffee. Unfortunately, coffee and its cousin tea are some of the worst stain-causing offenders. Tooth enamel is incredibly porous, making teeth highly absorbant. Try adding milk to your coffee or tea to lighten the color, or wait to brush your teeth until after you’ve enjoyed your morning brew.
Red Wine: Red wine offers many heart-healthy benefits, but because of its dark, tannin-rich color, it can stain your teeth. You may need to cut back if you want to preserve your pearly white smile. Don’t give up on it altogether, though—wine reduces inflammation, which can minimize your risk for gum disease.

Sugars and Starches: Sugary and starchy foods create strong acids that can cause tooth enamel to erode and become more porous. This can make your teeth more sensitive to cold and hot foods, lead to the formation of cavities, and make your teeth more susceptible to stains.
Dark Fruits and Vegetables: Consider blue berries and beets; some of the darkest foods you can eat. Others include strawberries, oranges, red grapes, squash, radishes, and tomatoes. You shouldn’t shy away from eating these foods, but you should take extra care of your teeth after consuming them, especially in juice or pureed form.

If your smile could benefit from a tooth whitening treatment, then visit Brighter Dental Care. Our multi-specialty practice offers a range of cosmetic and general dental services and uses the latest in cutting-edge technology to provide excellent care and attention to dental details. For more information on the services we provide or to schedule a consultation, call us at (609) 683-5300.