Five Teeth-Staining Foods and Four Tricks to Fight Back

There are many common foods and drinks that can break down enamel and stain your teeth. This can also help cause tooth decay and other issues.

Tricky Foods

1. Tea & Coffee

These drinks contain acids that are really tough on your teeth. They also alter the pH of your mouth, leaving it at a higher risk of staining from the next acidic thing you eat or drink.

2. Candies & Sweets

While tempting to eat, sugar and sweets can change your mouth’s chemistry. This allows bacteria to thrive in your mouth and those bacteria typically create an excess of damaging acid.

3. Soda

Soda packs a one-two punch with a high acid level and a high sugar level. That’s one bad recipe for dental health.

4. Fruit Juice

In addition to the sugar found in fruit juice, fruits with strong pigments (like berries and grapes) can also stain your teeth, the same way that they stain clothes.

5. Citric Acids

Natural foods like lemons, tomatoes, and other produce do have beneficial nutrients. But too many may also break down your enamel.

While these are some of the most common teeth-staining foods and drinks, it’s certainly not all of them. Luckily, you can still enjoy your favorite treats with some reliable tooth-firming tricks.

Tricks

1. Water

Drinking water is one of the best ways to keep your teeth stain-free and healthy. Water rinses off the food and other junk. It also keeps your mouth balanced.

2. Timing

Even if you feel icky, don’t brush until an hour or so after you’ve eaten acidic foods. Your teeth are more at risk within that hour, so brushing them would only bring on more damage.

3. Fight Back

Luckily, just as there are foods that weaken your teeth, there are foods that strengthen them. Leafy greens contain essential vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity and bone health. Crunchy root veggies like carrots, potatoes, or jicama also act like natural teeth cleaners with each bite.

4. Ask a Pro

Be sure to talk to your dentist about your diet’s impact on your dental health. Make sure you know how your specific habits can hurt and help you. Beyond that, you can also get info on teeth whitening and other tips on proactive and reactive methods.

There are many things you can do every day to take control of your family’s dental health. One of the most important things is having reliable dental coverage.