Teeth discolouration is a common oral health issue affecting anyone. It occurs when the outermost layer of the teeth, known as the enamel, becomes stained or discoloured. This can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and red wine.
The good news is that teeth discolouration can usually be treated with professional dental care. Oral cleaning may be necessary to remove the build-up of surface stains, and whitening treatments such as tooth bleaching or laser whitening can also help to brighten the teeth. In some cases, porcelain veneers or crowns may cover up discoloured teeth.
It is also important to watch what you eat. In many instances, the shade of your teeth is affected by the colour of the food, especially if they are heavily dyed. This is even amplified when you wait to brush your pearly whites after eating them.
10 Food that Can Discolour Your Teeth
1. Beets
Beets are high in chromogens, pigments that can cause teeth discolouration. They also contain acids that erode the enamel and allow the colour of the dentin to show through, leaving dentine, the second layer of the tooth, exposed. Dentine is the one that gives the yellow colour in teeth as enamel refracts the light and is whitish.
2. Tomatoes
Tomato is highly acidic, which causes the enamel to erode and discolour, leaving dentine exposed.
3. Acidic Fruits
Citrus fruits are very acidic, which means they can contribute to tooth discolouration if eaten excessively. Lemons and limes are especially acidic; the juice can erode enamel over time, leaving dentine, the second layer of the tooth, exposed. Dentine is the one that gives the yellow colour in teeth as enamel refracts the light and is whitish.
4. Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries – all fruits contain dark pigments that can easily stick to teeth and cause discolouration if not brushed away.
5. Candies
Gummy treats and other candies are full of sugar, which can contribute to tooth discolouration. Sugary food also contains acid, which wears away at enamel over time, resulting in a yellowish hue.
6. Curry Sauces
Curry ranges in colour depending on its recipe origin and the combination of spices it has. While curry sauces delight the palate, they can also stain teeth due to their colour. The turmeric used in curry is especially likely to cling to the enamel and cause discolouration.
7. Balsamic Vinegar
A popular culinary ingredient, balsamic vinegar causes discolouration of the teeth due to its dark hue. The acidity of vinegar can also erode enamel over time.
8. Coffee/Teas
Drinking coffee and/ or tea regularly can lead to discolouration of the teeth due to its high acid and tannin content. The acidity in coffee causes the enamel to weaken, which allows more of the yellowish dentin beneath it to show through.
ALT TEXT: Coffee
9. Starchy Food
Popcorn, pretzels and other starchy foods can stick to the teeth and cause discolouration if not brushed away. When starch comes into contact with the bacteria in your mouth, it can cause your teeth to become yellow or brown.
10. Sodas
Soda contains high levels of sugar and acid, which erode enamel over time. The heavy colouring in these drinks also stains the teeth, further tarnishing your pearly whites.
3 Food that Can Keep Your Teeth White
1. Apples
Crunchy crisp apples are loaded with malic acid, a natural astringent that helps remove surface stains from teeth and can help lighten them as well. The texture of the fruit also acts as a mild abrasive to scrub away plaque, making it an excellent food for keeping your teeth white.
2. Strawberries
Similar to apples, strawberries are packed with malic acid, which helps to dissolve surface stains on teeth. The enzymes in the fruit also act as an exfoliator to remove plaque and help whiten your teeth.
3. Cheese
It’s low in carbohydrates, so bacteria biofilm in your mouth can not convert carbs to sugar to acid (which can contribute to tooth decay “Cheese can also help maintain the pH balance in our mouths, which is very important for maintaining oral health. When our mouth’s pH gets out of balance, especially when it becomes too acidic, the cavity-forming, tooth-decaying process goes into overdrive.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important for your overall health and appearance. While the colour of your teeth is also affected by aging and genetics, it helps to eat the right kind of food to minimise discolouration.
If you, however, need professional teeth whitening services, remember to book your appointment with SmileVille in South Morang!
