10 Foods That Yellow Your Teeth & 10 That Naturally Whiten Them
Tannins, Chromogens, Acids, Oh My!
We all need to eat, and unfortunately, no single superfood diet can do everything right. Even the healthiest individuals are at risk for some aesthetic imperfections if they eat too many berries. Luckily, several foods can counteract the effects of their delicious but smile-harming counterparts, and thanks to the modern invention of toothbrushes and toothpaste, you can keep your smile pristine even if you decide to enjoy any of the items listed below.
1. Coffee
Possibly the most thought-of teeth yellowing food, coffee is first up on this list. When you drink coffee, the tannins, a type of compound that acts as an antioxidant, and chromogens, a chemical compound that colors through chemical reactions, will stick to the pores in your tooth enamel. The coffee’s acidity also softens enamel, making it easier for these pigments to stain your teeth.
2. Tomato Sauce
Like coffee, the combination of high acidity and bright red pigments will soften and stick to your teeth’s surfaces. Because of the tomato sauce’s consistency, it’s also more likely to cling to the teeth, leaving you with a reddish-brown smile.
3. Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar also has a high acid content, dark pigments, and tannins that penetrate your tooth enamel. As vinegar is also sticky, you’re more likely to be stuck with these staining compounds until you rinse them away.
4. Berries
While good for your body, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, and pomegranates all stain your teeth. This is due to - you guessed it - high acidity, tannins, and pigments found in all these fruits. If you like to enjoy some fresh fruit throughout your day, it’s recommended to drink some water after rinsing your mouth out.
5. Sports Drinks
While sports drinks also have a high acidity level that erodes enamel, sugar also plays a part. Sure, it gets you reenergized after a game or a workout, but the sugars also feed the bacteria in your mouth that produce more enamel-damaging acids.
6. Curries
An absolutely delicious and filling dinner idea, you’ll likely want to brush your teeth after. Most curries have an acidic element to them, and their high-pigmented ingredients will nudge their way in as best they can. Particular ingredients, like turmeric, are especially problematic when it comes to teeth staining.
7. Soda
Soda is the main cause of teeth yellowing, as it combines phosphoric acid, chromogens, and sugar into a yummy little can. While it’s not recommended to have a soda every day, a good way to deter teeth stains is to drink your soda through a straw.
8. Candy
Candy is full of food dyes, sugar, and acid, so it’s no surprise that it's on this list. This is especially dangerous if you’re a lover of gummy candies, as the tasty treat will find its way into every nook and cranny your mouth provides.
9. Juice
All juices have a high acidity content, and usually contain some dyes in one form or another. If you’re drinking a dark-colored juice, you’re more likely to deal with stains than if you were to have something a little bit lighter.
10. Popsicles
If they stain your tongue, why wouldn’t they stain your teeth? Popsicles are full of food dyes, sugar, and acids that will break down your tooth enamel and set up shop inside your mouth. If you’re really craving a treat on a hot summer day, opt for a lighter-colored popsicle to reduce your exposure to dyes.
1. Watermelon
While this tasty fruit doesn’t directly whiten your teeth, watermelon boosts saliva production, scrubs away stains due to its texture, and flushes food particles, all of which support a healthy smile. Watermelon also has malic acid, which helps in removing surface stains.
2. Apples
Like watermelon, apples have a high malic acid content and stimulate saliva production, helping to clean your teeth. Apples also have a crunchy texture, which can help with removing plaque and other food particles that have made their home in your mouth.
3. Pineapples
This super food contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is a natural stain remover. Additionally, pineapples also assist in saliva stimulation, making this fruit not only delicious but also beneficial for your oral health.
4. Celery
The fibrous nature of raw celery acts as a natural toothbrush, so you can crunch away knowing you’re doing something good for your teeth. Like the other natural teeth whiteners on this list, this watery vegetable also flushes your mouth out, neutralizing acid and reducing bacteria.
5. Carrots
Raw carrots are also a great natural toothbrush, as the crunchy snack has an abrasive texture. Carrots are also full of vitamin A, which aids in the health of tooth enamel and can prevent long-term erosion and discoloration.
6. Cheese
Yes, cheese can help whiten teeth! Cheese is full of lactic acid and calcium, which we all know strengthen our bones and tooth enamel. If you eat a hard cheese, you’ll get the added benefit of dislodging other food particles.
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7. Onions
Most individuals don’t love snacking on raw onions, which is fair. However, onions contain sulfur compounds that prevent plaque buildup, so it might be worthwhile to pop a few onto your sandwiches or salads when applicable.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli does it all. Raw broccoli is fibrous and will scrub away your stains. Its iron content will help to protect your tooth enamel, and its calcium will help to strengthen your teeth.
9. Leafy Greens
Eating your greens is good from mouth to gut. Greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce will aid in saliva production, while their high fiber and water content help your teeth clean. These greens also contain calcium and folic acid, which contribute to teeth and gum health.
10. Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and cashews act as natural exfoliants for your teeth, aid in saliva production, and help with general plaque removal. However, they are prone to getting stuck in your teeth, so it’s always important to brush after eating.
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