Everyone wants white, healthy teeth, and these days, there are many teeth whitening treatments available that restore brightness to your smile. It’s nice to have these cosmetic dentistry options available, but it’s even better not to need them at all. To help keep teeth from becoming discolored, brush them as soon as possible after eating the following foods.

5 Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

1. Tomato Sauce

The rich pigments of pizza sauce and other tomato-based condiments indicate that these foods are rich in antioxidants, which are healthy for your body but can cause stains on teeth. These products are also very acidic, which means they can erode tooth enamel, making you more likely to need teeth whitening treatment or a filling.

2. Beets

If you’ve ever handled beets with your bare hands or spilled their juice on your clothing, you know about their tendency to stain. Beets get their distinctive reddish-purple color from betalain, a powerful pigment class that is often used as a natural dye. It can discolor your teeth as well.

3. Berries

Like tomato-based sauces, berries get their vivid colors from healthy antioxidants, but their pigments can also discolor teeth. Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries are the worst culprits when it comes to staining. It doesn’t matter whether you eat fresh berries, drink their juice, or enjoy them in jams and jellies.

4. Soy Sauce

Although soy sauce is an excellent way to add flavor to food, dark condiments can cause stains on teeth. Like tomato sauce, soy sauce is also highly acidic, so it can eat away at tooth enamel, making your teeth porous and leaving them more vulnerable to discoloration. 

5. Curry

If you like Indian food and other international cuisines, you’re probably a fan of curry spices. Curry powder is typically a blend of numerous seasonings, many of which contain powerful yellow or red pigments; if you eat it regularly, you may need to see a dentist for teeth whitening treatments.

Ronald L. Rasmussen, DDS in Sacramento, CA, heads a general dentistry practice serving patients of all ages. Dr. Rasmussen and his compassionate team provide a wide range of dental care services, including root canal therapy, teeth whitening, and dentures. Call (916) 689-1100 today to schedule a dentist appointment, or visit their website to learn more about the practice.