Everybody knows that a whiter, brighter smile can make you appear younger and healthier looking. That’s why teeth whitening procedures and over-the-counter products are so popular. But one of the best ways to maintain your pearly whites actually begins with what you eat and drink, and some foods and beverages are bigger culprits than others. To follow are some of the worst offenders for yellowing your teeth.
Food and drinks that cause yellow Teeth:
1) Soda and sports drinks
- Cola and other sodas contain phosphoric and citric acids that wear down tooth enamel. And sports drinks have been shown to contain even higher levels of acids than soda, making them major culprits for turning your teeth yellow.
2) Black tea
- When you drink black tea, you’re promoting tooth yellowing because this beverage contains a large amount of tannins that adhere to your tooth enamel. Opt for green tea instead, which is healthier and less likely to discolor your teeth.
3) Wine
- It makes sense that red wine, with its dark color, would be a factor for teeth yellowing. It’s also full of harmful acidic tannins. And don’t think you’re in the clear if you drink white wine; it also contains tannins, so it’s just as bad.
4) Sugary treats
- Candies that you leave in your mouth for long periods of time, like hard candies, lead to yellow teeth due to their high sugar content and the fact that they’re given more time in your mouth. If a candy stains your tongue, it’s probably more likely to stain your teeth.
5) Condiments
- Dark table condiments like ketchup, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar can lead to yellower teeth. So after you eat that hot dog or plate of sushi, it’s a good idea to sip some water and swirl it around in your mouth to get rid of any stain-inducing acids.
Schedule a consultation
To learn more about maintaining a whiter, brighter smile, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you. To schedule an appointment, please contact Scott T. LeSueur, DDS & Charles A Dodaro, DDS online or by calling our Mesa office at 480.834.6991 today. We serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and all surrounding Arizona communities.