Back to school? Make sure to impress with pearly white teeth!
Stained teeth can hurt a great smile. But, you can try and prevent that from happening by monitoring what you eat and drink. Some foods and drinks stain teeth; others can help keep your smile bright.
Here are some tips on how to keep your teeth stain-free:
Foods That Stain Your Teeth
Remember, anything that leaves a mark on your hands or clothes can also stain your teeth. Some of your favorites may be on this list:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Red and white wine
- Grape or cranberry juice
- Blueberries
- Beets
- Soy sauce
- Tomato sauce
Of course you can still enjoy these foods, but it’s a good idea to brush or rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards.
Foods That Prevent Tooth Stains
Some of your favorite fruits and vegetables actually scrub your teeth gently while you chew them! They also help you make saliva, which counteracts acid and cleanse your mouth. Stain-preventing fruits and vegetables include:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cauliflower
Hard cheeses also give your teeth a scrub.
Here are some other ways to keep your teeth bright:
Drink with a straw. When you drink soda, juice, or iced coffee or tea, using a straw helps keep the liquid away from the visible front surfaces of your teeth.
Brush, floss, and rinse. Plaque makes your teeth sticky and gives stains something to hold on to. Brush twice daily, floss, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse twice a day — that will help you fight plaque, making your teeth less likely to stain.
Get your teeth professionally cleaned. At least twice a year, go to a dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning. Clean teeth look brighter.
Try to curb down on smoking. Whether you chew it or smoke it, tobacco stains teeth.
