A bright white smile can be the key to your confidence. If you are someone that suffers from stained or discolored teeth, there's no need to worry, the experts at Dr. Dann Orthodontics are here to help!
Dr. Dann is committed to helping his patients see the best results possible when it comes to dental and orthodontic longevity. To him, good oral hygiene goes beyond routine check ups; it means preserving your smile daily! That is why it’s important to be aware of the foods you are eating. You want to ensure that you’re not consuming too many stain producing foods, and if you are, learn techniques to lessen the impact.
1. Coffee & Tea
I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but coffee and tea are the two biggest teeth staining culprits. Both coffee and tea contain natural compounds called tannins that are attracted to proteins in the enamel and cause your teeth to become stained. However, to most people, giving up their daily cup of coffee or tea is out of the question! So what do you do?
The Coffee & Tea Solution
Since most people need the help of caffeine to get going in the morning, we suggest drinking green or white tea (they are lower in tannins). If you’re not willing to change up your routine too much, simply try adding in some extra milk to help lighten things up and reduce teeth staining.
2. Soda
Not only is soda bad for your health, it’s also bad for your teeth! Since soda is dark in color, it can cause your teeth to become discolored and stained if consumed in large quantities. Soda is also high in sugar and acid, which is very bad for tooth enamel and also contributes to teeth staining.
The Soda Solution
Long story short, while we suggest avoiding soda entirely, you may be able to prevent your teeth from getting stained if you drink your soda out of a straw, or switch to a lighter/ clearer colored soda instead.
3. White Wine
Believe it or not, white wine causes teeth staining! It seems odd that something so light in color can cause staining/ discoloration, but just like coffee and tea, white wines are high in tannins and acid, which are hard on your teeth and over time lead to staining.
The White Wine Solution
For our adult braces patients out there, in order to still enjoy a glass of wine without the fear of teeth staining teeth, we suggest brushing your teeth 30 minutes to 1 hour after drinking a glass of wine, and drinking a glass of water as you sip on your wine.
4. Balsamic Vinegar
Just like coffee, tea, and soda, the dangerous combination of dark coloring and high acid makes balsamic vinegar a food substance to be wary of in regards to teeth staining.
The Balsamic Vinegar Solution.
Vegetables, especially lettuce and broccoli, have been shown to counteract the teeth staining effects of balsamic, as they are able to coat your teeth and protect them against the acid. So, leave the balsamic off your tomatoes and mozzarella, but you have the green light to use it in combination with salads and other veggies!
5. Soy Sauce
Before you enjoy your favorite sushi roll doused in soy sauce, just remember that it too can stain your teeth. Once again, the dark color of the food makes your teeth susceptible to discoloration. Additionally, soy sauce is very concentrated, which contributes to teeth staining even more.
The Soy Sauce Solution
Use your soy sauce sparingly and try to enjoy the flavors of your sushi and other food products au naturel.
Contact Dr. Dann Orthodontics
If any of the above food items are a part of your daily diet, we hope you consider some of our solutions to minimize your risk of teeth staining and discoloration. At Dr. Dann Orthodontics, ensuring a beautiful and confident smile is our mission. Dr. Dann and his team of experts are here to help you throughout your orthodontic journey in our Orlando and Winter Park, FL offices. Please schedule an appointment with us today! We look forward to hearing from you soon.