While we constantly obsess about healthy eating in Singapore and getting our fix of delicious fruits, some of those choices might be doing more than providing vitamins and nutrition to our daily diet.
What actually causes tooth stains?
Chromogens are chemical compounds that give certain foods and beverages their dark pigments while acids can wear down your teeth, resulting in higher chances of stains setting in. In general, highly acidic and dark coloured fruits can stain and discolour your teeth over time.
Let’s take a closer look at these fruits, which can cause your pearly whites to lose their shine and become stained.
1. Berries
While berries are awesome and one of the more antioxidant packed foods, they can cause staining of the teeth when eaten regularly due to their darker colour. To avoid potential stains, brushing right after eating them helps as particles can easily get stuck between the teeth.
2. Cherries
Just the same deal with berries, cherries are richly pigmented and their juices also risks discolouration of the teeth. Furthermore, the high amount of sugar in fruit juices can lead to more dental damage in the long run by propagating bacteria
3. Red wine
A little off topic from grapes, red wine contains the stain causing tannin, a naturally occurring macromolecule found in plants, seeds, bark wood and fruit skins. Pairing your glass of Merlot with some hard foods like nuts can help to scrub away plague from the teeth and alleviate staining.
4. Lemon & Lime
Lemon and lime are highly acidic citrus fruits which can weaken and erode the enamel on your teeth, revealing yellow tissue below the surface. Minimise your teeth’s exposure to acidic foods.
What can you do to avoid tooth staining?
– Brushing your teeth straight after consuming a tooth staining food or drink. If you cannot get a toothbrush right away, rinsing your mouth with water can help wash off some of the substance.
– Drinking through a straw prevents the dark coloured liquid from making contact with your teeth.
– Eating non-staining and crunchy fruits & vegetables like apples, carrots and celery can act as natural stain removers by scrubbing your teeth and boosting saliva.
– Staying away from smoking and tobacco products
– Good and consistent oral hygiene of correct brushing and flossing.
– Using a peroxide-free teeth whitening kit regularly is an affordable way to achieve and maintain a whiter smile that will not wear away the enamel or cause tooth sensitivity in the long run.
