It can be an uphill battle trying to keep your teeth white, especially with some of the more popular foods and drinks that are offered. If you’re constantly trying to keep those pearly whites pearly white, maybe take a look at some of the foods in your pantry and refrigerator. And remember, a good rule of thumb is that if it can stain your clothing, chances are it can stain your teeth. Also if the food or drink are acidic, the acid can wear down the enamel of your teeth, softening them and making them more prone to stain.
The Top Teeth-Staining Foods and Beverages
Wine. Red wine is not only a deep color, it is also acidic. Even white wine can promote staining, especially if consumed before a cup of tea.
Tea. Like wine, the ordinary black tea most people drink is a big culprit. Dentists say tea stains more than coffee does.
Cola. Cola can cause significant staining. Even clear or light colored sodas promote staining because they are as acidic as battery acid!
Sports Drinks. Recent research found that highly acidic sports drinks soften the tooth enamel and promote staining.
Berries. Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, cherries, grapes, pomegranates, etc (and juices, pies, and other foods and beverages made from them) can cause stains.
Sauces. Soy sauce, tomato sauce, curry sauce, and other deeply colored sauces are believed to have significant staining potential.
Sweets. Hard candies, chewing gum, popsicles, and other sweets often contain teeth-staining agents. If your tongue turns a funny color, there’s a good chance that your teeth will be affected too.
What Can You Do?
Quickly Swallow. It limits those acids and staining agents from staining your teeth.
Use a Straw. Sipping drinks through a straw is also thought to help keep teeth-staining beverages away from teeth.
Swish with water. It’s not always convenient to brush your teeth after every snack, meal or drink. In fact, tooth enamel is vulnerable to abrasion and staining for up to 30 minutes after your snack. So swish with water and brush later. If possible, keep a small, travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or car so that you can brush when needed. Sugarless gum will also help you produce more saliva so that you can wash that sugar away from your teeth. (source: WebMD)