Stained teeth can get in the way of a great smile. Truth is, what you eat and drink has a big impact on the whiteness of your teeth. Although some foods and drinks stain teeth, others can help keep your smile bright.
Foods That Stain Your Teeth
Anything that leaves a mark on your hands or clothes can also stain your teeth. Some of your favorites may be on this list:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Red and white wine
- Grape or cranberry juice
- Blueberries
- Beets
- Soy sauce
- Tomato sauce
You can still enjoy these foods, but it’s a good idea to brush or rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards.
Foods That Prevent Tooth Stains
Surprise! Some common fruits and vegetables scrub your teeth gently while you chew them. They also help you make saliva, which counteracts acid and cleans your mouth. Stain-preventing fruits and vegetables include:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cauliflower
Hard cheeses also give your teeth a scrub.
Other Ways to Keep Teeth Bright
Drink with a straw. When you drink soda, juice, or iced coffee or tea, using a straw helps keep the liquid away from the visible front surfaces of your teeth.
Brush, floss, and rinse. Plaque makes your teeth sticky and gives stains something to hold on to. Brush twice daily, floss, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse twice a day — that will help you fight plaque, making your teeth less likely to stain.
Get your teeth professionally cleaned. At least twice a year, go to a dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning. Clean teeth look brighter.