Foods Known to Stain Teeth (avoid these ones!)

Trying to figure out what foods to eat in order to help improve or maintain the health of your teeth can be a confusing process, especially when some foods that are bad for your teeth are actually good for your health! Teeth stains are an unfortunate by-product of a number of foods, but you don’t need to completely avoid all of them.

Brushing your teeth after consuming the foods mentioned here can help combat their staining properties, allowing you to enjoy many of them in moderation.

Common teeth-staining food and beverages

At Reflections-Dental Oakville, we love providing our patients tips on maintaining great oral hygiene. Beyond that, we love to see our families working to achieve their best overall health! Have questions? We’re nearby in Oakville, ON!

There are a number of different foods that can lead to discolourations or stains on your teeth. While some of them do provide health benefits and don’t have to be avoided entirely, there are some teeth-staining foods that you’d best to stay away from altogether.

Tea and coffee

Both tea and coffee contain tannins, which can cause staining on teeth. However, adding milk to your morning beverage can help prevent its staining effects thanks to casein. This protein provides a protective layer to your teeth and can help reduce staining.

Red wine

This highly acidic beverage is one of the most common culprits of tooth staining. The acid in red wine scratches and opens up the pores of your tooth enamel, allowing the dark particles to stick to its surface.

Berries and fruit juices

Dark coloured berries like cranberries, blueberries, grapes, blackberries and pomegranates can all leave dark stains on your teeth, whether you consume them as whole fruits or in juice form. The tiny organic particles in these berries can get into the pores of your tooth enamel and stay attached, causing a colour change after consuming them.

Curries and tomato-based sauces

Although they are full of great vitamins and nutrients, the bright pigments in tomatoes and turmeric-rich curries are likely to stain your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating either can help wash off the acidic after effects before they cause damage.

Dark sauces like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar

These dark-coloured and acidic sauces are common culprits of teeth stains. The dark pigments can lead to stains on your teeth after consuming them, while the acid present can wear down tooth enamel, causing the stain to set in.

Beets and beetroot

If you’ve ever handled beets before you’ll know how much they can stain your hands with its bright purple hue. The same is naturally true for your teeth, too. However, these vitamin and mineral rich foods are worth the extra tooth brushing!

Especially avoid these teeth staining beverages

The health benefits from the aforementioned beverages above can offset your concerns about teeth stains. However, the following are “lose-lose” options as they not only stain teeth, but provide no nutritional or health value and in fact can be harmful. In short, avoid these entirely – always.

Energy and sports drinks

The acid in energy drinks and sports drinks can wear down tooth enamel, leading to an increase in staining. Most contain sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Dark coloured pop

The dark colouring and high acid content of dark pops like coke and root beer can wear away at enamel and cause staining. Again, sugar or artificial sweeteners are always in soda drinks and to be avoided.

Eat these instead

When trying to combat the staining capabilities of some food and drinks, there are a few items that you can consume that will actually have a positive effect on the colour of your teeth.

Dairy products

The lactic acid and calcium in dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt can help strengthen and whiten teeth.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables

Crunchy and fibrous fruits and veggies like carrots, celery, broccoli and apples can help scrub teeth as you chew, and increase the saliva production that cleans off your teeth.

Strawberries and pineapples

These fruits each contain an ingredient that is known to be a natural teeth whitener. Strawberries contain malic acid, while pineapples have bromelain.

Visit your dentist regularly

It’s hard to avoid all foods that are bad for your teeth, so maintaining a good oral care routine is essential. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash daily can help remove stains before they set in, while seeing your dentist regularly is the best way to catch any concerns before they turn into significant problems.