Cut These From Your Diet for a Brighter Smile
If you're concerned about maintaining a whiter smile, here are eight drinks to avoid for whiter teeth.
1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the most common beverages known for staining teeth. While it’s a beloved morning ritual for many, its dark color and acidic nature make it a prime culprit for discoloration. Coffee contains tannins, which can cause color compounds to stick to your teeth, leading to a yellowish or brownish tint. Adding milk or cream can help reduce the staining effect slightly, but consuming coffee in large amounts will likely stain your teeth over time.
2. Tea
Tea, particularly black tea, is another drink that can stain teeth, often even more than coffee. Like coffee, tea contains tannins that can build up on your tooth enamel. Darker teas are especially notorious for staining, though green and herbal teas can also cause stains if consumed frequently. The lighter the tea, the less staining it may cause, but drinking tea regularly will still contribute to discoloration.
3. Red Wine
Red wine is rich in color and highly acidic, which makes it another leading cause of tooth discoloration. The pigments in red wine stick to your teeth easily, and its acidity softens the enamel, making it more vulnerable to staining. Not only does red wine cause staining, but it can also dry out your mouth, reducing saliva production, which normally helps wash away pigments.
4. Soda and Cola Drinks
Dark sodas, especially cola, are packed with coloring agents that cling to your teeth. Cola is also highly acidic, which erodes the enamel and makes it easier for stains to stick. Even clear sodas are acidic enough to weaken your enamel, increasing the likelihood of stains from other foods and drinks. Regular consumption of these beverages can lead to noticeable discoloration over time.
5. Fruit Juices (Especially Dark Ones)
Fruit juices like grape, cranberry and pomegranate juice are loaded with natural pigments and acids that can stain your teeth. While fruit juices are often seen as a healthy option, their dark hues and high acid content make them risky for anyone trying to maintain white teeth. Even lighter-colored fruit juices like orange juice can erode enamel and increase the risk of stains from other foods and beverages.
6. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks may give you a boost of energy, but they can also contribute to tooth staining. These beverages are often highly acidic, which weakens the enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to stains. Additionally, the artificial coloring agents found in many energy drinks can easily cling to your teeth, leading to discoloration. Long-term consumption not only affects the color of your teeth but also can lead to tooth decay due to the high sugar content.
7. Dark Beer
Dark beer, such as stouts and porters, can stain your teeth because of their deep, rich color and acidity. The pigments in dark beer can cling to your enamel, causing discoloration, especially if consumed frequently. Additionally, beer is often acidic, which can wear down enamel and make your teeth more prone to staining from other foods and drinks.
8. Balsamic Vinegar Drinks
Though less common, some people consume drinks that contain balsamic vinegar or use it as a health supplement. Balsamic vinegar is dark in color and highly acidic, which makes it another potential cause of staining. Its stickiness allows it to cling to teeth, and its acidity can weaken the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to stains from other foods and drinks. While balsamic vinegar is great for health in many ways, consuming it in drink form or as a dressing too often can harm your teeth's appearance.
How to Minimize Teeth Staining from Drinks
Even though these drinks can stain your teeth, there are a few ways to reduce their staining effects:
- Drink through a straw: By using a straw, you can reduce the direct contact these drinks have with your teeth, lessening the chance of stains.
- Rinse with water: After consuming any of the beverages mentioned, rinse your mouth with water. This helps wash away any residual pigments and acids that could lead to staining.
- Brush your teeth (but not immediately): While it might seem smart to brush right after consuming acidic drinks, waiting at least 30 minutes is better. The acid softens the enamel, and brushing too soon can erode it further.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings will help keep your teeth free of stains and in top condition.
Looking for ways to make your teeth whiter? Here are six steps to make your teeth whiter at home.