Avoid these top offenders to keep your smile white and bright.
We all want bright, white smiles — they can take years off your appearance and boost your confidence. And while bleaching your teeth is an effective (and generally safe) whitening step, it also helps to avoid foods that stain teeth in the first place. In fact, it's particularly important to steer clear of these foods immediately after a whitening treatment; the bleaching process makes teeth extra absorbent. Read on for a list of foods and beverages that can dim your grin.
Black Coffee
It might be hard to get going in the morning without it, but a cup of joe is one of the worst stain offenders. Why? "The outer layer of the tooth is very porous," says cosmetic dentist Debra Glassman, of New York City. That means foods and liquids are absorbed — and stay there. But you don't have to go without java — try adding a splash of milk to lighten it up. As a bonus, you'll get milk's calcium and vitamin D, both of which keep teeth strong.
Tea
You might think tea would be a better option than coffee, but because of its tannins, it's a teeth stainer, too. The good news is that some varieties are better than others. Avoid darker-colored teas, like English Breakfast and Earl Grey. Instead, opt for green, white, and herbal teas. Because they're lighter in color, they won't stain your teeth as much.
Red Wine
It may be good for your heart, but red wineis bad for your smile. If you've ever looked in the mirror and smiled after sipping a glass of Shiraz or cabernet sauvignon, you've seen the results. On the upside, studies have shown that wine reduces inflammation, which can help reduce or prevent gum disease. You can always opt for white wine or swish water around your mouth after drinking, suggests Dr. Glassman.
Cola
Dark sodas, including diet, are especially harmful to teeth because of their staining color. The temperature of soda can also be a factor because very cold (as well as very hot) temperatures cause teeth to contract, which makes them more porous and easier to stain. In addition, the phosphoric and citric acids in soda erode tooth enamel, and the sweeteners in regular soda promote tooth decay. Opt for a seltzer, which is healthier than soda to start with. If you can't give up your soda habit, at least sip it through a straw to limit the beverage's contact with your teeth.
Cranberry Juice
Fruit juices, too, can dull your pearly whites. The concentrated dark color and acids are known to yellow teeth. To keep your teeth white, you're better off drinking fruit juice spritzers or sticking with light-colored solid fruit. An apple, for instance, is an excellent choice; its crisp texture and light color act like a detergent on teeth, wiping away stains, says Dr. Glassman.
Popsicles or Slushies
There's nothing quite like them on a hot summer's day, but it stands to reason that if a food stains your lips and tongue, it's staining your teeth too. Choose a lemon ice instead. Another sweet treat that's even better for your teeth is sugarless gum. In fact, Dr. Glassman recommends that all her patients chew it after a meal to whiten teeth and remove bacteria, which can hasten staining.
Soy Sauce
It's not just dark beverages that will stain your teeth — dark liquids used to flavor foods, such as soy sauce, can produce the same effect. A general rule to follow is that if a food can stain your carpet or T-shirt, it can stain your teeth too. If you do eat sushi or Chinese food, use the soy sauce sparingly. Soy sauce is also heavy on sodium, so keeping your teeth white is just one more reason to take it easy on the sauce.
Balsamic Vinegar
It's certainly flavorful and delicious, but balsamic vinegar's richness comes with a cost: Its dark color makes it a tooth stainer. But don't give up those salads just yet. According to Jonathan B. Levine, D.M.D., of New York City, lettuce helpsprotect your teeth from stains. The lettuce forms a film over teeth that acts as a barrier to stain-forming foods. Alternatively, you can use a lighter-colored vinegar, like rice vinegar, or a spritz of lemon juice.
Tomato Sauce
Mamma mia! Whether you serve spaghetti marinara or Bolognese, tomato-based sauces can stain your teeth — but that's no reason to avoid this Italian staple. Just eat an appetizer of spinach or broccoli first. These veggies, like lettuce, form a protective film over teeth so foods that stain can't seep into your teeth's pores.
Blueberries
One of nature's superfoods, blueberries are packed with antioxidants. The only downside is that the dark blue skins stain teeth. That's not enough of a reason to shun their health-boosting benefits, though. Just be vigilant about swirling water around your mouth after you've eaten them.
Beets
Anyone who has ever touched beets knows about their power to stain. Beets are particularly potent in juice form, in which they're the most concentrated. Be sure to brush your teeth within an hour after eating beets so stains don't have time to form.
