Even maintaining a strict oral hygiene regimen doesn’t stop some foods from causing dental stains. While teeth whitening procedures will make stained teeth look brighter, avoiding tannins is also an effective way to control staining. In nature, this compound provides flavor and color to food, but in the mouth, it causes discoloration. Here are a few foods to avoid and what to choose instead.

Which Foods Cause Stains on the Teeth?

1. Fruit & Sugary Drinks 

Fruits and berries contain tannins, so red wines and fruit juices often cause discoloration as well. Ice cream and some types of candy that include fruit juice may also have this effect. Even sodas have high amounts of tannins and acid.

To avoid staining, steer clear of products containing blackberries, blueberries, and cherries.

2. Coffee & Tea

Black coffee and dark tea perk you up, but also leave dental stains. The teeth are porous, so they absorb the tannins content of these beverages. They’re also acidic, which harms enamel and leaves it more prone to staining.

To minimize this effect, try mixing your coffee or tea with milk. Better yet, switch to green tea and water, which don’t cause staining.  

3. Sauces & Dressings 

Tomatoes, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar contain tannins.

Eat them in moderation alongside generous helpings of broccoli, cauliflower, and cheese, which help brush off stains naturally. You can also minimize this effect by sticking to lighter, cream-based sauces.

No matter what you eat, get a brighter smile with the teeth whitening services offered at Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. After performing a thorough teeth cleaning, they’ll provide a professional treatment that will create visible results. They offer passive tray whitening you can wear daily and professional-strength white strips. Make an appointment by calling (907) 278-2521 or learn more about their teeth whitening services online.