Our wants and needs don't always align
There's no doubt that a bright, beaming smile does wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. And a healthy set of pearly whites is what many of us desire. But what if you have a mouthful of stained, discolored teeth?
While darkening teeth is a natural part of aging, there are other causes that can tint your gnashers. Most commonly it's because of the staining properties of certain foods and drinks. But which are the biggest teeth-staining culprits, and what can you do to whiten your smile?
Click through and find out how our teeth can be sabotaged by what we eat and drink.
Pasta ranks among the favorite foods of many. Unfortunately, pasta sauce is a major cause of discolored teeth. Tomato-based sauces are highly pigmented. They're also extremely acidic, which means they easily penetrate the enamel, eroding teeth and leaving them stained.
Curry is another equally delicious but also highly pigmented dish. Besides tomato, curries often contain turmeric, which can cause staining. Eat enough curry and its deep yellow hue can render your pearly whites a muddy brown color.
Balsamic vinegar is a dark, concentrated, intensely flavored vinegar made from a reduction of pressed Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes. And while it makes a delectable salad dressing, it's also deeply pigmented, sticky, and extremely acidic. Use this vinegar wisely, as it can quickly discolor your teeth.
Berries are among the superfoods we are all encouraged to eat more of. But beware! While they are packed with antioxidants, berries are also full of staining properties. Deep-color berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries are the worst culprits.
Several beverages are known to promote tooth discoloration. One of the worst is black tea. The caffeine in black tea can stain teeth, as do the tannins found in all tea varieties.
Green tea is a better option, but even this healthy beverage is not stain-free. The same chemicals that cause black tea to stain your teeth are also found in green tea. Drinking too much of it can lead to yellowed teeth.
Similarly, drink enough strong black coffee and the chances are you'll end up with dark patches on your teeth. It may be one of the world's most popular hot drinks, but the tannins in coffee don't make it very friendly to teeth.
Red wine is tannin central, which is bad news if you like stain-free teeth. Drinking red wine is one of the most common causes of tooth staining. It's full of natural dyes and acids that can discolor and stain teeth if imbibed frequently.
And don't be fooled into thinking white wine is any kinder. The acidic properties of the alcohol can make the white in your teeth vanish as it slowly erodes the enamel.
A surprising entry on this list perhaps, but the good old apple is also guilty of discoloring teeth. As with many other fruits, apples contain polyphenol oxidase, a ripening chemical that also causes them to turn brown. This is an oxidation process that can also have the same effect on enamel.
And here's another revelation: the humble spud has the ability to darken teeth due to an oxidizing agent called tyrosine. Potatoes also contain iron and chlorogenic acid, which can react and form a black pigment. Put this lot together, and you have the potential to stain enamel.
What would a stir-fry be without soy sauce? But once again, the dark color of the food makes your teeth susceptible to discoloration. As a highly concentrated liquid, soy sauce has the potential to leave behind an unsightly stain on the enamel.
Anyone who's handled beetroot will be familiar with its staining properties. And its coloring power is even more potent in liquid form. Beets are packed with nutrients, but this vivid vegetable doesn't do teeth any favors.
The health benefits of citrus fruit are well documented. But the acidity in oranges, lemons, limes, and suchlike can wreak havoc on your teeth. By eroding the enamel, the citric acid can leave the yellow-tinted layer underneath, known as dentin, exposed. This is not only unsightly, but can be painful, too.
It stands to reason that the main ingredient in wine can also leave a color cast on your teeth. The acid found in grapes can wear down your tooth enamel, which is a problem in itself. But grapes with dark pigmentation can permeate into the porous surfaces of your teeth and stain them in the process.
Pomegranate boasts a raft of health benefits, but, like some berries, this potent fruit can leave a significant tint across your teeth. Again, blame the dark pigment.
We really do pay for our guilty pleasures, don't we? Besides risking putting on weight, eating too much chocolate can stain teeth. If this still doesn't deter you, opt for dark chocolate—its rich in antioxidants!
A dentist's nemesis, sweets and candy not only have the potential to rot teeth, they also stain them along the way. Sugar sticks to teeth, which in turn becomes a treat for bacteria.
Soda is equally abundant in sugar, and cola is especially notorious. The dark coloring of the world's most popular soft drink also contains acids that can wear away your enamel.
By steering clear of soda and energy drinks, you might be tempted to quench your thirst by turning to natural fruit juices. But for the same reasons berries aren't good for teeth, dark fruit juices, things like grape and cranberry juice, can stick on teeth and leave them discolored.
Ever had a popsicle then looked at your tongue in a mirror? Those same dark stains are likely covering your teeth. And with all that sugar and acid working on the enamel, too, it's probably wiser to order an ice cream!
Contrary to popular belief, food colorings are unlikely to stain teeth. Doctors agree that the amount of food dye needed to coat your lips and mouth likely won't cause any harm, even if you ingest small amounts. But after listing most of the usual suspects, how can you prevent food and drink from staining your gnashers?
Let's be clear: while nobody wants discolored teeth, you can't eliminate staining. Darkening teeth is a natural part of aging. But some of the things you eat and drink every day may be promoting this dental dilemma faster than you think. So, what's the answer?
We've talked about those fruit and vegetables that can cause tooth discoloration, but why not fight fire with fire? There are a number of foods that help remove stains. Celery, for example, is a naturally-cleansing eat. So, too, is carrot.
Cucumber and cauliflower are also great stain removers, as are pears.
Downing a glass of water after eating or drinking something that may stain your teeth makes perfect sense. In fact, get into the habit of drinking at least a liter of water a day to remain hydrated.
If you simply can't resist a fizzy, sugar-laden soda or soft drink, or any other liquid that may stain your teeth, at the very least use a straw.
If you're not already doing so, get used to brushing your teeth more mindfully. Brushing twice a day is recommended as a minimum, but you should always brush last thing at night to remove food debris (this will prevent a harmful buildup of plaque while you sleep).
Teeth whitening can help reverse staining. The process involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. The procedure is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional.
For bad discoloration or discoloration inside the teeth, your dentist professional may recommend porcelain veneers. These also have the benefit of being stain resistant themselves.
Sources: (Crest) (NHS) (Colgate) (Healthline)
See also: Facts about teeth that will shock you
Foods and drinks that are staining your teeth
Why your pearly whites can be ruined by what you consume
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
There's no doubt that a bright, beaming smile does wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. And a healthy set of pearly whites is what many of us desire. But what if you have a mouthful of stained, discolored teeth?
While darkening teeth is a natural part of aging, there are other causes that can tint your gnashers. Most commonly it's because of the staining properties of certain foods and drinks. But which are the biggest teeth-staining culprits, and what can you do to whiten your smile?
Click through and find out how our teeth can be sabotaged by what we eat and drink.