Having a healthy, white smile is an ideal for many people, but certain foods and drinks that you consume may be causing your teeth to become stained or discolored. Your dentist may be able to correct the discoloration with teeth whitening procedures. However, your results will be short-lived if you do not limit your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks.

Below, Dr. Mike Olsen of the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Wisconsin discusses five foods and beverages that cause staining and how to minimize these effects:

• Curry: Curry is as bold in color as it is in flavor, and anyone who has ever cooked with or eaten curry knows how easily it can stain. This spice’s bright pigment sticks to hands, nails, and of course, the teeth. To combat the yellowing caused by this condiment, cut back on your curry intake and brush after every time you eat it.
• Beets: Beets are rich in many nutrients, including folate, iron, and vitamins B6 and C. But, like curry, this root vegetable has strong pigments and can leave deep stains. Brush your teeth within an hour of eating beets or drinking beet juice.
• Tomatoes: When you ask your dentist which foods you should steer clear of to avoid stains, you may be surprised that tomatoes make the cut. Despite having a mild pigment, tomatoes are extremely acidic. This acidity can wear down the enamel of your teeth, causing dullness and making your teeth more vulnerable to stains. To counteract the acidity, pair tomatoes and tomato sauce with cheese or another form of dairy.
• Dark Berries: Berries are full of vitamin C and antioxidants; unfortunately, the strong pigments in certain dark berries, such as blackberries and blueberries, can cause stains to develop on your teeth. You can keep these stains at bay by rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking foods with berries or pairing them with dairy foods.
• Coffee & Tea: Coffee is notorious for causing tooth stains, but tea is not much better. The acidity in coffee and tea can wear away the enamel of your teeth, while the pigment in coffee and tea leaves also causes dark stains to form. Adding milk to your coffee or tea will help to reduce the acidity caused by these drinks and minimize staining.

If you are worried about the stains of your teeth and would like to speak to a dentist about teeth whitening, call (608) 783-3341 to schedule an appointment at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska. For a full list of services and information about other dental procedures, such as dental implants or veneers, visit them online.