7 Foods that Stain Teeth

You know by now that what you put in your mouth has a huge effect on your dental health. It’s no secret, either, that some foods can stain your teeth when you eat them.

Since some tooth whitening procedures can have negative effects on your oral health, be painful, or be very expensive, our team came up with a list of the top seven foods to avoid if you don’t want to stain your teeth.

Are you ready? Let’s go.

1. Cola

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise since we all already know that soda is bad for our teeth. Dark sodas like colas are also likely to stain your white teeth brown or yellow, since the liquid is so dark. The next time you drink a soda, make sure to sip through a straw so the liquid doesn’t come in contact with your teeth as much.

2. Coffee

This is one most of us know but is hard to hear because we all depend so much on our morning cup of coffee. If you drink black coffee, know that it’ll slowly start to stain your teeth over time. Combat it by brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after you finish your coffee. Besides, if you drink water after your cup of joe, you’re fitting in that much-needed hydration, too.

3. Tea

Sorry, tea drinkers. You aren’t off the hook, either. Just because tea typically isn’t as dark as coffee doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the ability to stain your teeth. Try drinking your tea in a travel mug, so you aren’t flooding your mouth with this staining beverage when you sip.

4. Beets

If you’ve ever cut open a beet, this one shouldn’t surprise you. They’re notorious for staining your hands, your countertop, and even your shirt. Did you know that beets can be used to dye fabric? They can also turn your pearly whites a nasty shade. Try choosing a different, lighter-colored vegetable the next time you make dinner.

5. Red Wine

If you’re a fan of wine, then we’re here to tell you that you might be putting your teeth at risk, too. Red wine can stain the inside of your mouth a dark red or even a purple color, depending on the wine. Anything that can have that big of an effect on your mouth is bound to stick to your teeth, too. Make sure to rinse out your mouth after you enjoy your glass.

6. Berries

Berries have a habit of staining your teeth and the seeds have a habit of getting stuck in your teeth as well. Dark berries like blackberries or blueberries have skins that can deeply affect the whites of your teeth. Plus, those little seeds get stuck in nooks and crannies, which makes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria (read: cavities). Steer clear!

7. Lemons

Technically, lemons don’t stain your teeth, but they do quickly eat away at your enamel. When that happens, it exposes the yellowed layers underneath and makes your teeth look like they’re stained. In fact, citrus fruits are terrible for your dental health. Try settling for an apple instead.

When it comes to food and your teeth, there’s a pretty simple way of knowing what to avoid: if it can stain your shirt, it can stain your teeth. We know that sometimes these foods are impossible to avoid, so if you have to eat one of them, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards and to rinse out your mouth.

Trust us. Your smile will thank you.