Having perfectly white teeth is something most people strive for. A white smile is sometimes hard to achieve. It’s usually not due to a lack of brushing and flossing – but because of diet. Some foods can cause your teeth to permanently yellow. Here are some of these foods that you might want to watch out for.
Tea
People look at tea as being a healthy alternative for caffeine or a way to cleanse your body. What most people don’t realize is that tea, especially a dark brew, can be worse for your teeth than coffee. Dark brewed teas are more likely to yellow your teeth, while white and herbal teas can wear down the enamel on your teeth and also cause stains.
Fruit
Sometimes, the things we believe are essential to our everyday diet aren’t good for our teeth. Eating fruits, such as blackberries, cherries and blueberries, can stain the teeth. Some lighter fruits, like green grapes, are less likely to stain your teeth but can cause your teeth to weaken its enamel due to the acids in the fruit.
Sodas
Sodas and similar carbonated drinks are notorious for being terrible for your health and your teeth. The number of acids and dyes in sodas, and yes, this includes the light-colored ones, can very effectively stain your teeth. The number of chemicals in the drink can wear away at your enamel.
Wine
Wine stains clothes so quickly that it should be a no-brainer – it can do the same thing to your teeth. Red wine, with its vibrant, dark color, is known for yellowing teeth reasonably quickly.
Candy
While this one may also seem like a “no-brainer,” candy and gum can be horrible to the color of your teeth. Most candies and gum have dyes in them to provide a fun color. Any food with unnatural coloring can permanently stain your teeth. The sugar in candy and gum can weaken the enamel in your teeth and give you cavities if you eat too much of it.
If you don’t want to change your diet, there is an easy fix! Teeth whitening and teeth cleaning at your local cosmetic dentist is a fast alternative to making sure you get the smile you deserve.
Give Gulf Coast Dental a call today, and find out how you can get the smile of your dreams!