It is natural for your tooth enamel to discolor slightly as you age, but certain foods and medications can speed up this process significantly. If you wish your smile was brighter and whiter, turn to Coulee Family Dental in La Crosse, WI, for professional teeth whitening. In the meantime, avoid the foods listed below, as they can worsen any discoloration.

Teeth Whitening Tips: Avoid These 5 Foods to Prevent Staining

1. Coffee

Coffee is notorious for staining teeth because of the tannins it contains. Tannins are chemical compounds that cause discoloration on tooth enamel. Coffee also happens to be acidic, which will make your teeth more vulnerable to decay if you drink it every day.

2. Berries & Pomegranates

These antioxidant-rich foods are also packed with pigments, which will end up staining your enamel if you eat too many of them. A good rule of thumb is if it will stain your clothes, it will stain your teeth. Since berries are highly nutritious, though, you can get away with eating them if you drink some water and brush shortly after you finish.

3. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits don’t necessarily stain your teeth, but they can lead to discoloration because their acidic content erodes enamel over time. When this happens, the dentin, which has a naturally yellow hue, is exposed.

4. Tomato Sauce

It may be packed with lycopene and other essential nutrients, but tomato sauce is also full of acidic pigments that will make your teeth more vulnerable to staining. Always wash down a plate of spaghetti with a tall glass of water, and brush your teeth shortly afterward so the sauce does not linger in your mouth.

5. Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is dark, and it tends to cling to teeth, which will result in serious discoloration if you do not rinse it away shortly after consuming it.

If your teeth are stained or discolored, professional teeth whitening will restore them to their beautiful luster by removing both surface stains and deeper discoloration using special bleaching agents. If you want to schedule teeth whitening in La Crosse, WI, turn to Coulee Family Dental. To learn more about the cosmetic dentistry services they provide, visit their website, and call (608) 782-3102 to make a dentist appointment today.