If you’ve noticed your pearly whites slowly yellowing over the years, you may wonder: what causes this? Most likely, it’s what’s you’re eating and drinking, but why does food and drink change the color of your teeth? Here’s a look at what’s really happening to your teeth when you knock back that can of soda.
Why Staining Occurs
One good way to wonder if the food or drink you’re about to consume will stain your teeth is to imagine it spilling on a white tablecloth. Would it leave a stain? If yes, it has the potential to do the same to your teeth. That’s because the color in certain foods and beverages originates chromogens, which are intensely pigmented molecules that love to attach themselves to tooth enamel, says WebMD. Acidity also comes into play here, which promotes staining through erosion of your enamel. This can temporarily soften your teeth, inviting those chromogens to hop on and stick around. Tannins are a big culprit, too, as they also encourage the attachment of chromogens.
Top Teeth-Staining Culprits
There are many foods and beverages that can take the shine off your bright smile. Here’s a look at a few of the biggest offenders.
Wine: You may think it’s just red wine that stains, but white wine can also do a number on your teeth. They’re both acidic beverages containing chromogens and tannins, which can equal the staining effects of tea.
Tea: Common black tea also contains tannins, which can stain the teeth even more than coffee, making for an aggressive effect on your smile. Skip the black tea and go with herbal, green or white instead.
Soda: Both dark and light colored sodas can damage the teeth and cause staining because they’re carbonated and extremely acidic.
Berries: If you love blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, cherries and even grapes, be prepared to live with the stains they cause on your teeth.
Ice pops: Does your tongue turn blue when you lick an ice pop? If it can do that, it can do the same to your teeth.
What to Do About It
It’s tough to cut out all the food and drink above, especially blueberries and other similar foods that are chock full of antioxidants which are excellent for your health. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce staining while still consuming the things you love.
- Use moderation and a balanced diet
- Use a straw with sodas and iced tea
- Swallow immediately without letting the offending food or drink linger in your mouth
- Swish your mouth out with water afterwards.
Heed these tips to result in a brighter smile that you no longer have to hide due to teeth staining.
