Everyone knows they should brush their teeth twice a day to have a pearly white smile.
However, dentists warn that a number of staple foods are a hidden cause of yellow teeth, even if you have a good oral hygiene routine.
That’s because enamel, or the outer layer of your teeth, helps protect your teeth from cavities and wear and tear from chewing, but it can’t always ward off stains.
The outer layer is porous, meaning it can absorb the colorful dyes in food and drinks, leading to stains.
Dentist Dr Hanna Kinsella told the Daily Mail: “This is a common problem we see in the clinic and which patients are often concerned about.
“However, it’s not about never eating them, it’s about knowing what they are and how you can minimize your risk.”
Natural erosion of tooth enamel can expose dentin, a yellowish layer that can cause discoloration and give the illusion of staining.
Dr Hanna Kinsella says there are a number of foods and drinks to watch out for if you want to protect your smile
Dr. Kinsella once starred on The Real Housewives of Chesire
As a former regular on The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Dr Kinsella knows a thing or two about the pressure to have perfect teeth.
The Icy Bear founder added that people who have given up their natural teeth for perfectly even implants or have veneers to enhance their smile often forget that they also need to be careful about stains.
He said: “What people also don’t realise, and something we see more of, is that if you’re doing cosmetic work like veneers, they’re more prone to staining.
“It’s very important that patients be careful after spending all that money.”
Dr. Kinsella warns that it’s not just food and drink that can cause a yellow smile.
“It’s known that smoking can cause yellowing of teeth, but what we’re seeing now are the effects of vaping,” he says.
“The sticky chemicals in flavored vapors can be really harmful to teeth, and people often don’t realize that.”
Knowing that people with any kind of smile are at risk of losing their winning glow, these are the foods Dr. Kinsella warns her patients to watch out for.
Wine
Red wine is a common cause of stains according to dentists.
The stain is mainly caused by the acidity of the wine, which erodes the enamel and makes it more porous.
The pigments in red wine, such as anthocyanins and tannins, help these pigments stick to the teeth, leading to stains.
The acidic nature of red wine can also soften the outer layer of teeth, making them more susceptible to discoloration.
“One glass isn’t going to hurt, but over time the acidity and tannins can damage the enamel which can lead to yellow teeth,” says Dr Kinsella.
“If you can, it would be beneficial to rinse your mouth with water after drinking a glass of wine.”
Berries
Dark berries can erode tooth enamel over time
Like red wine, dark berries have strong pigments, and those found in fruits like raspberries and blackberries can stay behind on your enamel long after you’ve finished your fruit platter.
“Berries are another stain culprit,” says Dr. Kinsella.
“The problem is twofold. the acidity that can break down the enamel and the pigmentation that can cause staining and discoloration.’
Tomato based sauces
From spaghetti bolognese to ketchup, tomato-based sauces could be a hidden cause of stains on your teeth.
This is because they are acidic, which can gradually wear away tooth enamel.
“This is something that people don’t really think has an effect on pigmentation, but over time it can have an impact if they’re a regular part of your diet,” says Dr. Kinsella.
Fruit juices
Fruit juices are high in sugar and acidity, so dentists recommend drinking them through a straw
Fruit juices are a common cause of stains, according to Dr. Kinsella, because of their high sugar content, color and acidity.
More colored fruit juices like cranberry or pomegranate juice are generally the worst when it comes to staining your teeth.
Many fruit juices such as orange or lemon juice can also be too acidic, allowing pigments to stain more deeply.
“Fruit juices are a problem because when you blend a fruit, you’ve broken up the particles,” says Dr. Kinsella.
“That means the sugar concentration is higher and it has more acidity. There might be eight or nine oranges in a glass of juice, and you’ll never eat that many back to back.
“To reduce the risk, you can drink the juice through a straw. This will help minimize contact with the teeth.’
Tea and coffee
A morning cuppa may be the cause of your yellowing teeth.
That’s because tea contains tannins, a type of polyphenol—a compound found in plants—that is often yellow or brown in color.
When tannins penetrate your enamel, they often create a greenish or grayish tint to your teeth.
“In patients who have tea and coffee stains what we often see is blackening between the teeth,” says Dr. Kinsella.
“Although it’s hard to completely avoid tea and coffee, milk in your drink can help minimize the risk of staining.”
