Nothing conveys confidence like a bright smile, but if your teeth aren't as white and healthy as you would like, you probably aren't grinning as widely as you could be. While you'll find a variety of teeth-whitening products at your local drug store and can ask your dentist about professional services, the best way to keep your teeth pearly is by not staining or eroding the enamel in the first place. Here, Dr. Catrise Austin, cosmetic dentist to the stars and founder of VIP Smiles, weighs in on which of your favorite foods and drinks could be doing your teeth a disservice.
1. Coffee and Tea.
Caffeine addicts might cringe, but the dark pigmentation in these popular morning beverages can stain your teeth. "The rule of thumb is that anything that can stain a white t-shirt can harm the color of your smile," says Austin. If you consume these beverages daily, you may lose your white smile. Fortunately, these types of stains can be removed easily with a professional cleaning from your dentist. You should also be aware of how much sugar you're adding to your coffee or tea-too much can contribute to cavities.
2. Red Wine.
It may be good for the heart, but red wine is bad for maintaining a bright smile. The red color can discolor your teeth over time, giving your smile a dull appearance. The same goes for dark berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
3. Dark Colas.
Dark colas are just as bad for the color of your teeth as coffee and teas. Most sodas are acidic and have a high sugar content, both of which can rot your teeth over time. If you don't brush or rinse your mouth after drinking colas, the acid and sugar will continue stick to your teeth long after you finish the drink, and they'll continue to do their dirty work.
4. Chocolate.
Like coffee, the dark and rich texture of certain types of chocolate can wear away and discolor the tooth enamel. The high sugar content also leads to cavities and decay if teeth are not properly brushed.
5. Candy.
It's well known that the sugar content of candy can erode the teeth's enamel and lead to cavities, but biting down on hard candies can also cause fracture lines or chips in your teeth, ruining the overall appearance of your smile.
6. Citrus Fruits.
Fruits such as lemons and limes are highly acidic. If acid frequently comes into direct contact with the teeth's enamel, over time, it can erode your teeth by causing craters, notches, or holes.
