What foods stain your teeth?

Prevention is better than whitening. We all want to maintain the natural whiteness of our teeth and keep a beautiful smile, however the cause of tooth colouring is also frequently related to the food and drinks we eat.

Food and drinks high in sugars, acids or artificial colours should be avoided as these have the ability to alter the natural colour of the teeth. The main ones are:

• Drinks such as red wine, sugary drinks, energy drinks, tea and coffee.
• Foods including but not limited to, sweets, meals with artificial colours and vinegar sauce.
• Tobacco, despite not being a food, is one of the greatest causes of tooth colouring.

What alternatives do we have?

Most of the stains left by these food and drinks are deposited on the surface of the enamel, however they can be prevented with good daily oral hygiene. To maintain the natural whiteness of the teeth, it is recommended to consume a moderate amount of the foods aforementioned or to opt for alternatives. For example, drinking white wine instead of red as well as drinking green tea. It is also advised to use a straw to drink to sugary drinks as this will minimize the contact between your teeth and the acids / sugars. Make your own natural fruit juices to reduce the amount of sugar and opt for light sauces since they contain less sugar and starch.

How can we keep white teeth if we consume them?

Brushing your teeth with a good toothpaste and mouthwash 10 minutes after consuming these foods will help as this will enable time for the saliva to neutralize the acids. If you are away from home, you can rinse your mouth with water to reduce the presence of substances that stain the teeth. In addition, using toothpastes and mouthwashes which reinforce and protect the enamel will stop the appearance of stains. The VITIS whitening toothpaste with its anti-stain and whitening / repairing action can help to maintain a healthy and white smile for a longer time.