1. Coffee

Some people just can’t start their day without a cup or two of coffee. Unfortunately, coffee heavily stains the teeth, particularly the outer layer of the enamel. And those who think they can switch to tea instead of coffee for their caffeine will be disappointed to know that black tea — but not decaffeinated green or white teas — also causes stains on the teeth.

Replacement: Fluoridated Water

Caffeinated water with fluoride is an excellent replacement for coffee because it won’t stain a person’s teeth. Water — particularly fluoridated drinking water or products made with this ingredient — will break apart stains and whiten the teeth. Other products that include fluoride include items like low-sugar powdered juices, dehydrated soups, and many types of commercial meat products.

2. Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce typically includes a multitude of vitamins and minerals and is in many types of dishes. Unfortunately, the sharp red texture of tomato juice — and its sharp acidic texture — can cause stains and even decay on a person’s teeth. However, individuals not ready to give up their tomato sauces for health reasons can minimize this problem.

Replacement: Spinach or Broccoli

When eating dishes with tomato sauce, eat some spinach or broccoli before digging into the main meal. These foods naturally create a protective film over the teeth and may break apart some stains. As a result, people can eat tomato sauce without staining their teeth. This trick works with multiple types of foods, too, so don’t hesitate to try it out.

3. Berries

Though quite small, many types of berries produce a high risk of dental stains. Darker and more vibrant fruits like blackberries and blueberries, in particular, are problematic for oral health. Other vibrant fruits, such as cherries and pomegranates, may produce a similar effect.

Replacement: White Grapes

Although white grapes do have a slightly acidic texture, their paler color limits the risk of staining that comes with berries. Sprinkle these grapes in with a berry-rich fruit salad to offset the potential stains these berries cause. Those who don’t like white grapes can switch to strawberries, which don’t color the teeth like other types of berries.

4. Candy

Although an occasional bit of chocolate or candy may not be too damaging to a person’s teeth, these foods possess high levels of sugar. These sugars will quickly attach to the teeth and feed the growth of various types of plaque and bacteria. As these stains move across the teeth, decay is likely to occur, mainly if someone regularly eats candy.

Replacement: Nuts

Nuts provide a healthy snack option for those addicted to sweets and candy. These foods typically contain not only a large number of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals but also help clean the mouth by stimulating saliva production. As a result, plaque buildup and stains on the teeth may wash away and leave the teeth healthier than ever.

Help for Dental Decay

If you are worried about dental decay or have a diet that you’re concerned isn’t quite great for your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Cherry Hill Dentistry right away to get help. Our experts will work with you to find any dental decay and will then come up with a treatment plan that meets your needs.