{"id":20095,"date":"2023-01-09T15:31:16","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T20:31:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20095"},"modified":"2023-03-03T14:51:03","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T19:51:03","slug":"9-foods-and-beverages-that-stain-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/9-foods-and-beverages-that-stain-your-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Foods and Beverages That Stain Your Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"

A beautiful, bright smile is one of the best ways to make a great first impression, even before you speak. Maintaining your pearly whites keeps you healthy, but flashing your smile invites camaraderie and helps cultivate relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n

As you get older, you might notice that your teeth aren\u2019t quite as clean and white as you remember. That\u2019s because your teeth get stained as you get older. Sometimes, it\u2019s a reflection of how well you\u2019re keeping up your personal hygiene, but staining is unavoidable on some level as you age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might worry about your appearance or experience lower self-confidence if your teeth aren\u2019t as bright and clean as they once were. These changes are normal and natural because of the things we eat. But some foods are more likely to cause staining than others.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to regular dental cleanings, you can adjust your diet in order to avoid some stains. Here are the top nine culprits for tooth enamel stains.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Berries<\/h3>\n

Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and many other varieties of berry have a couple of things in common: They\u2019re excellent for your health and they might also stain your teeth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Numerous studies<\/span><\/a> show that berries are packed with antioxidants and reduce your risk for cancer. In addition to preventing cancer, berries might also prevent cancer from growing and spreading. They make a great addition to almost any diet, but the deep colors that are the <\/span>key to their health benefits<\/span><\/a> can also stain your teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can reduce the likelihood that dark berries will stain your teeth without avoiding them altogether. Try rinsing out your mouth after eating berries. If you want to take it a step further, you can also thoroughly brush your teeth shortly after eating.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Tomatoes<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s nothing cozier and more heartwarming than a bowl of soup once it gets chilly outside. Tomato soup is one of the most popular options, but tomatoes may increase your risk for tooth enamel stains. Furthermore, the acidic properties of tomatoes make it more likely that tomato soup, tomato juice and other popular tomato dishes might stain your teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t (and shouldn\u2019t!) have to give up spaghetti with tomato sauce, butter chicken or other tomato-based meals. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and <\/span>an antioxidant called lycopene<\/span><\/a> that can reduce cholesterol, inflammation and your risk for heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of cutting tomatoes out of your diet, try reducing its contact with your teeth. Eat tomatoes in moderation, especially in foods that use concentrated tomatoes, like pasta with red sauce. If you drink tomato juice, use a straw.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Soy Sauce<\/h3>\n

Asian cuisine is a takeout favorite among most American households. Fried rice, lo mein, sushi and other foods scintillate your senses, and it\u2019s a great treat to give yourself a break from cooking. Many people dress up their dinners with duck sauce and soy sauce when they indulge in Asian cuisines, but soy sauce, a common ingredient, might stain your teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dark color of soy sauce easily stains tooth enamel. You can still enjoy your favorite Asian meals while working to avoid soy sauce stains. Since soy sauce is salty, watering it down can reduce stains without altering the flavor too much. Alternatively, you can use a light soy sauce in your favorite meals. Keep some on hand to use whenever you get the urge to order out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Popsicles<\/h3>\n

Everyone loves popsicles: There are so many different shapes and flavors, it\u2019s easy to find something you like. They\u2019re also a good way to cool off on a hot summer day or to eat something tasty after a tonsillectomy and other throat surgery. However, their bright colors often come from colorful dyes that can stain your teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kids are especially fond of popsicles. It\u2019s a great summertime treat, and summer break from school just doesn\u2019t feel the same without them. You don\u2019t have to keep your littles from enjoying this sweet treat to protect their teeth. Try these tips instead:<\/span><\/p>\n