Everyone knows that following proper dental habits, along with regular visits to your dentist, is the key to achieving the perfect smile. It’s often easier said than done, though, since your diet and your overall eating habits can have an effect on the color of your teeth.
Of course, there are the usual culprits like sugary drinks, coffee, and red wine. You might be surprised to learn, however, that these foods and drinks can easily ruin your white smile as well.
Tea
Bad news, tea lovers – your daily cup of tea might be the one causing your teeth woes. Experts say that certain teas, particularly dark-colored ones like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, have small particles that can easily get into the crevices of your teeth. These, in turn, can make your teeth look yellow or brown.
Lemonade
While it’s a great way to cool off during the sweltering hot days, lemonade can actually mess up your smile due to its potent combination of sugar and acid. Lemonade is inherently acidic, and it can gradually wear away the enamel and expose the dentin.
White Wine
Red wine can definitely ruin a white smile, but a glass of white wine isn’t helpful, either. When combined with other stain-causing foods, white wine can actually roughen the surface of your teeth and make them more susceptible to discoloration.
Green Smoothies
These healthy smoothies are ever so popular today. While it may do wonders in cleansing your body, it might also cause your teeth to look less than stellar. Most of these smoothies contain berries and vegetables with teeth-staining qualities, so be on the lookout on these ingredients.
Balsamic Vinegar
It’s a popular addition to healthy salads, but it’s bad news for your teeth. Balsamic vinegar contains acid that can lower the mouth’s pH levels, which then leads for the enamel to demineralize. With the enamel being weaker than normal, your teeth can also be vulnerable to cavities.
What Can You Do?
Though these foods have teeth-staining properties, that won’t mean you have to swear them off altogether. For instance, you can drink water every now and then to counter these teeth-staining ingredients. You can also try taking your drinks through a straw.
Of course, you can always opt to have your teeth whitened by the professionals from a family dental health clinic. With their help, you can achieve the perfect smile every time.
Sources:
6 Surprising Foods That Can Yellow Your Teeth, MedicalDaily.com
9 Ways You’re Staining Your Teeth Without Even Knowing It, WomensHealthMag.com
