Advances in Dental Research and Technology Are Fascinating

You visit your general dentist every six months, you brush at least twice a day, you floss, and, you do everything you can to keep your smile bright and healthy. But, something isn't right. Your teeth aren't as pearly white as they could be. So you go for the at-home whitening treatment, or maybe you splurge on the in-office version. Whichever one you choose, your smile is suddenly whiter, brighter and better than before. Happy with the results, you forget about how your teeth looked in those pre-whitening days and go back to your regular eating and drinking habits. Then it happens. Your teeth are stained and dull again. Why? Maybe you're choosing the wrong things to eat and drink. Check out some of the top yellowing and staining foods and drinks that you may want to avoid.

Coffee and Tea

Both drinks contain tannins. These organic substances can cause staining. When it comes to tea, the darker the color, the more it can stain your teeth. For example, black tea will stain your teeth more than green tea will. Keep in mind, hot coffee and tea aren't alone when it comes to staining potential. The cold versions of the drinks can just as easily stain your teeth. That iced cold brew you get from your local barista and your grandma's famous sweet tea can also cause discoloration.

Sports Drinks

These beverages are supposed to recharge you, but, that might not extend to your smile. They tend to be highly acidic. This means that they can destroy tooth enamel, causing your smile some serious damage. Along with the high acid content, these drinks often come in bright dye-filled colors such as red or blue. The coloring may also add to the staining potential of your favorite sports drink. If you really need a recharge, a plain water or a vitamin-infused water are better options.

Red Wine

You enjoy a nice glass of pinot noir every now and then. That's probably not going to ruin your teeth for good. But, if you drink red wine often, you may start to see stains. Like coffee and tea, red wine contains stain-causing tannins. Before you go switching to white wine, consider the fact that it is also acidic. The acids in white wine can eat away at the enamel on your teeth too. This doesn't mean you need to give up wine entirely. Keep it to a minimum, and brush your teeth or rinse them off with a glass of water after drinking your red or white.

Berries

The deep hues in most berries can eventually stain your teeth. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and other deeply colored berries can leave lasting stains. This goes for jellies, jams and other food products made from berries. If you do eat berries, brush your teeth or wash them down with a glass of milk after your meal.

Your general dentist can help you to keep a bright, healthy smile. But, you also need to do your part at home. Choosing foods and drinks that easily stain can dull your teeth and reduce the effects of whitening treatments. That said, cutting back on some of these options and brushing after meals can help to keep your teeth bright and white. To learn more, contact a dentist office like Lake Pleasant Dentistry.