Are you worried about teeth stains and discolouration? The usual suspects are the things you consume regularly. They’re usually the ones with strong colours that darken the tooth enamel. In general, if the item stains your clothes or your tongue, it can discolour your teeth, too. 

But deep pigments aren’t the only culprit for tooth stains. Acidic foods and drinks wear down the outer layer of teeth, making them more prone to discolouration. 

You can keep your smile looking bright for longer by avoiding these items. You don’t need to take them out of your diet completely, and instead just limit your intake to lower the risk of staining.

Foods that stain teeth

• Berries

The dark pigments in fruits like berries can cause discolouration. They’re packed with vitamins and other nutrients, though, so you can just rinse your mouth with water after eating instead of completely avoiding them. 

• Beets

The beet juice that causes stubborn stains on clothes is the same one that can darken your teeth, so it’s a good idea to limit your intake. 

• Turmeric

It’s included in your favourite curries and gives off a vibrant hue, but it can also cause yellow stains on teeth.

• Tomato-based sauces

Their vibrant colour whets the appetite, but sadly, they can also stain your teeth, especially if you enjoy them regularly. 

• Soy sauce

If you use this ingredient often, it may be one of the reasons why you notice your teeth getting a bit darker. 

• Balsamic vinegar

It’s a zesty addition to salad dressings, but is also notorious for sticking to teeth and causing stains.

Drink that stain teeth

• Wine

Reds contain tannins that give teeth a darker hue over time. Meanwhile, whites have high acidity that can wear down the enamel, increasing the risk of stains setting more deeply.  

• Coffee and tea

Both contain tannins that darken the teeth. You can use a straw when you’re drinking them cold, so that the liquid won’t touch your teeth and cause stains.

• Dark soda

Its dark colour can discolour your teeth, while the acidity can prematurely wear down the tooth enamel and let stains set in more easily. 

• Fruit juices

They’re acidic, and the dark-coloured ones from pomegranates, red grapes, and cranberries can dim your smile.

Is there a way to get stains off your teeth? 

Yes, you can solve the discolouration of your teeth with professional whitening treatments by a dentist. You'll get visible lightening of teeth stains and discolouration the fastest way with in-office procedures, which can take as short as 30 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can ask your dentist for custom-made teeth whitening trays that you can use conveniently at home. These work longer, though, and it may take a few weeks or months before you can see improvement on dark or yellow stains on your teeth. 

Having problems with tooth discolouration? We’re here to help restore your bright smile! Get in touch with us now to set an appointment in our modern, comfortable clinic in Southport.