Everyone wants to make a great first impression. However, it can be hard to feel confident introducing yourself if you're worried about your smile. Teeth whitening can do a lot to help restore your pearly whites. However, it also helps to avoid certain foods that contribute to yellowing and stains. Below are just a few of the items most likely to discolor your teeth.

What Foods & Drinks Stain Teeth?

1. Coffee & Tea

Teeth are porous, absorbing the liquid you drink. Therefore, when consuming dark beverages like coffee and tea, consider adding milk to lighten the color or drink through a straw when appropriate to avoid unnecessary contact.

2. Tomato Sauce

Tomatoes are highly acidic and pigmented, which can lead to enamel erosion and teeth discoloration. To protect your teeth, swap in cream or light-colored sauces. If you do indulge in a dish with tomato sauce, brush immediately after the meal. 

3. Berries

Except for strawberries, which have natural teeth whitening properties, the pigments found in other berries tend to stain. To combat this effect, brush your teeth within an hour of eating them.

4. Wine

Both white and red wines are highly-acidic. Even drinking a glass a day can weaken the enamel and cause tooth discoloration. Sip water in between glasses of wine to minimize staining and brush your teeth afterward. 

5. Candy

The sugar in candy creates acids that mix with oral bacteria to produce plaque. Not only does this increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, but the enamel erosion also leaves the teeth vulnerable to stains. If you want lasting results from your teeth whitening treatment, swap out these sweets for fibrous fruits like apples and bananas.  

To remove existing stains from your teeth, turn to the team at Genrich Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE. For over 30 years, the premier dentists have restored countless smiles and made it their mission to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients. Call (402) 466-2211 today to schedule a teeth whitening appointment or visit their website for more information about their full list of dental care services.