Diet plays a significant role in your dental health, which is why dentists warn patients about consuming certain foods that can increase staining and discoloration. While you don’t have to completely rule out the following items, you should understand the impact they can have on your smile. 

Which Foods & Drinks Are Likely to Stain Your Teeth?

1. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce often accompanies sushi and other Asian fare. While tasty, its dark color can easily stain teeth when consumed frequently. Limit your consumption or cut soy sauce out altogether if you want to maintain a bright smile. You should also visit your dentist for regular teeth cleanings about twice a year.

2. Tea

Tea contains tannins, which is organic matter derived from plants and bark. They give tea its signature bitter taste and cause stains to form on teeth. This is especially true of black tea, which is quite dark in color. Lighter ones, such as herbal tea, tend to be more forgiving on your smile. You can also limit the number of tannins in your tea by steeping it for less time.

3. Blueberries

Though nutritious, blueberries also cause stained teeth. In this case, you can mitigate the effects by rinsing with a glass of water after eating blueberries or drinking juice derived from them. 

4. Coffee

Coffee can soak into porous enamel and leave unsightly stains in its wake. If you can’t cut coffee out altogether, try drinking your cup quickly instead of sipping it throughout the day. Also, limit its exposure to your teeth by drinking it through a straw.

Having served Fairbanks, AK, for over 30 years, Helmbrecht Dental knows that a bright, beautiful smile is a confidence booster. Along with helpful dental care tips, these dentists offer effective teeth whitening options that will make your smile several shades brighter. They also provide dental crowns, which restore tooth structure and appearance. Call (907) 456-1237 today to schedule an appointment with a dentist, or learn more about their services by visiting the website.