Highly pigmented and acidic foods and drinks can lead to discolouration.

If you love a cup of coffee every morning or enjoy tomato-based pasta sauces from time to time, you may be disappointed to discover that these foods and drinks could be causing stains and discolouration on the surface of your teeth. In fact, any food and drink that is acidic or that has a dark pigment can cause stains over time. Read on to learn which foods and beverages are the biggest culprits when it comes to affecting the shade of your teeth…

Tea and coffee

Tea and coffee are popular drinks, but unfortunately, both beverages contain a chemical compound known as tannins. Tannins cause colour compounds to stick to the surface of the teeth, which can cause stains and discolouration.

Coffee is also quite acidic and can cause bacteria to multiply in the mouth. This, in turn, can lead to dental erosion. To minimise staining and other issues caused by coffee, it is advisable that you enjoy your morning cup without sugar — sugar will only serve to promote the growth of the bacteria that can lead to discolouration.

Fruits and berries

Fruits and berries that contain particularly dark pigmentation can also lead to stains on the teeth. Some dark-coloured culprits include blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, and red grapes. These fruits and berries can cause discolouration both in their whole and juiced forms.

When you eat highly pigmented fruits and berries, tiny particles from these foods can enter the pores of your enamel. The more porous your teeth, the worse the stains you are likely to develop.

Carbonated and acidic drinks

Beverages that are particularly acidic can cause considerable harm to your teeth. Not only do they lead to discolouration, but you may also experience significant dental erosion. In fact, when the enamel on your teeth erodes, the teeth become more prone to stains. Dark cola drinks are among the worst when it comes to causing discolouration, but any drink that is acidic can contribute to stains on the teeth.

Sports and energy drinks also tend to be very acidic and should be consumed in moderation only. These types of drinks can damage the enamel of the teeth and also cause yellowing over time.

Dark sauces

Tomato-based sauces are highly pigmented and are also usually very acidic. This means they can contribute to stains. If you enjoy the occasional tomato sauce, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to minimise any discolouration that could occur.

Other dark sauces that can affect the shade of the teeth include soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.

How can we help?

At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we offer a number of cosmetic treatments that can help to improve the colour of the teeth and resolve stains and discolouration.

One of our most popular treatments is professional teeth whitening. The treatment is often an effective option for those who have stained or dull teeth and would like to brighten their overall appearance. We offer both in-office and take-home whitening — find out what these treatments involve here.

If you are struggling from severe discolouration that has proven resistant to professional whitening treatments, you might consider dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of the teeth. They can help to achieve a beautifully white smile, and can also address a range of other imperfections, including gaps, chips, and cracks. If you would like to find out more about the treatment and what the procedure involves, please have a look here.  

If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on (07) 3801 8799. Our team is dedicated to providing each of our patients with top quality care and takes the time to customise every treatment that we offer. If you have an oral health or cosmetic concern that you would like addressed, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can help you achieve your best smile.