Foods to Avoid for a White Smile
December 20, 2016
Your smile is an important aspect of your individuality, and proper care is essential for keeping your teeth healthy and beautiful. If you want to keep your smile looking its best, floss and brush daily and see a dentist regularly. You should also avoid foods that can dull and stain your teeth.
If you already have some discoloration of your teeth, Dr. William Gielincki has decades of experience as a prosthodontist restoring teeth to their natural beauty. He can whiten your teeth for a beautiful smile. Following a whitening procedure, it is extremely important to maintain your teeth by avoiding troublesome foods. Here are some foods to avoid along with some suggestions for mitigating the risk of certain foods if you are not able to cut them out of your diet completely.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea (including fruit teas) are some of the biggest culprits responsible for stained teeth. If you do not want to eliminate them completely, add milk or cream to dilute them. White and green teas are far less damaging than black and fruit teas.
Acidic Beverages
Wine, fruit juice, and carbonated beverages all present risks for your teeth. They are all extremely acidic and can stain teeth and damage the enamel. Carbonated drinks also contain phosphoric and citric acids that are harsh on tooth enamel. There are some steps you can take to minimize the damage. Choose white wine instead of red and rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking. Dilute fruit juice with seltzer, and use a straw for carbonated drinks to reduce contact with your teeth.
Dark Produce
Produce with a high amount of acid can pose risks as well. For example, tomatoes (including juice and sauce) can stain and weaken teeth. It helps to eat a good amount of leafy vegetables along with tomato sauce.
These steps can reduce the staining and dulling of your tooth enamel. Regular visits to a dental professional like Dr. Gielincki are important as well, especially if you need help restoring your smile following years of neglect. Contact our office today to set up your appointment.