You might be taking very good care of your teeth and yet they may still look like they are somehow discolored. Sometimes, this may not be due to an underlying dental health condition – it could be the coffee, tea and other foods you’re consuming that are causing your tooth discoloration and staining.
If you’re looking for pearly whites but having to deal with teeth that look like sweet corn, here are some foods that could be staining your teeth. If you can, you may want to avoid them:
Tomato Sauce
If you leave tomato sauce in a plastic container over time, you’ll notice that it leaves behind a reddish-orange tint on the plastic even after you’ve washed it. Think about what this could mean for your teeth, which are much more porous than Tupperware! Tomato sauce is one of those foods that can cause teeth staining, putting your teeth at risk of discoloration and stains over time if you consume it often.
Berries
Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and the like are packed with chromogens and are highly pigmented. These foods also have high tannin contents that will leave your teeth discolored. Whether you’re consuming whole berries, jam or juice, you’ll want to rinse off your mouth with water afterward to avoid tooth discoloration.
Curry
If you enjoy curry often, you know that it is often a bright yellow color. Curry has a lot of pigments and is one of the foods to steer clear of if you want to avoid tooth discoloration. If you just can’t resist this spicy treat, make sure you load it up with enough greens and veggies to reduce the discoloring effect.
Whether the food you’re eating stains your teeth or not, it helps to rinse your mouth with water after eating anything. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid tooth discoloration and staining over time.
If, however, your teeth have already become discolored and you need professional teeth whitening, you should consult an experienced dentist to help you restore your teeth’s lost whiteness.