In this article, we list everyday foods and drinks that stain your teeth. We also discuss teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry solutions to address tooth staining and discoloration.
Everyday Foods and Drinks That Stain Your Teeth
Common foods and drinks that can stain your teeth include:
- Soda and other drinks with artificial dyes
- Candies with artificial dye
- Black coffee and tea
- Brightly colored spices, such as red paprika and curry
- Beetroot and carrots
- Dark berries, such as blackberry
- Red wine
- Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
- Juices and smoothies with staining berries or fruits
We recommend rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth immediately after a meal if you consume staining foods or beverages, to prevent dark pigments from lingering on your teeth.
Teeth Staining and Discoloration Solutions
There are several procedures you can explore if you notice that your teeth are stained or discolored:
Professional Cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings remove surface staining and make your teeth whiter. This happens by removing the plaque and tartar that trap food debris and bacteria which make your teeth appear discolored. It is recommended to undergo professional teeth cleanings twice a year.
In addition, you can opt for fluorite treatments, which will strengthen the enamel of your teeth, making it more resilient to bacteria and decay.
Remember that natural teeth are never perfectly white, and teeth whitening is not necessary unless you have severe and noticeable stains or discoloration. However, the health of your teeth and gums will reflect in your smile.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, as it can make your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in just one dental visit. During a whitening procedure, your dentist will use a bleaching agent (typically hydrogen peroxide) and additional tools, such as lasers, if needed, to remove dark pigment from your teeth’s enamel. Professional teeth whitening can be done in a dental office or at home, using whitening kits provided by your dentist.
Remember that over-the-counter whitening solutions are not the same as solutions provided by a doctor. In fact, we strongly recommend avoiding over-the-counter whitening solutions, as they are not formulated with your personal goals and oral health needs in mind and can severely damage your tooth enamel.
Dental Bonding
Some stains can not be removed with a whitening procedure. In such cases, you can opt for dental bonding. This procedure uses a resin composite (the same material used for dental fillings) to cover the parts of your teeth that require alteration. The color of the bonding material can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth.
In addition to masking staining and discoloration, dental bonding can address cosmetic issues such as cracks and chips, as well as minor gaps between the teeth.
Dental bonding typically lasts 3 to 5 years before needing replacement.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are used to solve similar issues as dental bonding. However, veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the entire front of your teeth, whereas bonding covers only the problematic areas.
Also, dental veneers require more extensive tooth preparation than bonding: some of the tooth’s enamel has to be removed to make room for the veneers. This process makes the procedure irreversible, meaning that you will have to wear veneers or crowns for the rest of your life.
Porcelain veneers tend to last 5 to 10 years, depending on your oral care and oral health.
Make an Appointment at Shodhan Yucaipa
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Shodhan Yucaipa today to find a teeth-staining solution that best suits your goals and oral health needs.