Top 10 Foods and Beverages that Stain Teeth

For a Brighter Smile and Whiter Teeth, Keep Away from Certain Foods and Drinks

M.G. Hardiman
M.G. Hardiman, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Nov 14, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Nothing undermines your confidence more than stained or discolored teeth. But there's a lot you can do to get your dazzling smile back on the job. First, you'll want to use a whitening toothpaste on a daily basis. Next, you'll want to see the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and routine cleaning. Finally, you'll want to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle, one that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, milk and other calcium products, sufficient sleep and exercise.

To keep your teeth white and bright, best to avoid some foods and beverages. These food products and popular drinks might stain and discolor your teeth at the wrong time. Which food and beverages are the biggest culprits? Read on.

Top 10 Foods and Beverages that Stain Teeth

1. Soy sauce. A wonderful addition on rice and stir fried vegetables. Not so much on your smile.

2. Blueberries, Raspberries, Cranberries, Cherries and Other Berries. Fabulous fruits on cereal and desserts. Not so fabulous on your smile.

3. Curry. One of my all-time favorite spices in the world. Not the best thing for a super white smile.

4. Coffee, Tea. Exceptional beverages to get you going in the morning. Nothing special if you want a winning smile.

5. Red Wine. A lovely accompaniment with dinner. Not a wholesome companion for a dazzling, white smile.

6. Colas, Other Dark Soft Drinks. Refreshing beverages on a hot day. Not so refreshing for your smile.

7. Grape Juice, Pomegranate Juice. Certainly good for you and the whole family. Not that great if you want your teeth light and bright.

8. Hard Candy, Licorice. Nothing like a little bit of candy to make your day. Not a winning combination if you want to keep your teeth healthy and white.

9. Portobello Mushrooms. These items are wonderful additions to the entree, but they are also known to stain and discolor teeth.

10. Nuts. Great to snack on. Not so great if you want to keep your teeth whiter than ever before.

Foods that Keep Your Teeth White

There are just as many foods that will make your teeth whiter. Which ones are best? Carrots, celery and apples are great foods for your teeth. They keep stains and discoloration in check. Lettuce, spinach and even broccoli are also great vegetables to keep teeth white and your smile bright.

RESOURCES FOR ORAL HEALTH

American Dental Association
www.ada.org

Oral Health
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
www.cdc.gov/oralhealth

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
www.aapd.org

Published by M.G. Hardiman - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Career professional in non-profit sector, one of AC s Rising Stars (2009) and Featured Contributor in Home Improvement, Health and Wellness, Local, and Arts and Entertainment categories. Washington, DC metr...  View profile

  • To fight tooth decay, drink fluoridated water and use a fluoride toothpaste.
  • For a brighter smile, take care of your teeth and gums.
  • Steer clear of fruits, nuts and berries which may stain teeth.
Want a whiter smile? Avoid food and beverages which may stain your teeth, like red wine, grape juice, nuts, berries, and more.

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