Foods to avoid for whiter teeth
Patient before and after of the Phillips Zoom Whitespeed Procedure, done in the office in about 45 minutes.
Staining teeth is easier than you think
The American diet has a lot of pros and cons. We have variety and plenty of options but also have access to a lot of foods that are not so good for maintaining a pearly white smile.
Coffee, Tea, Red Wine
Sweet tea and coffee raises acid levels which weakens enamel. Most individuals sip coffee and wine, and because they are sipped slowly, acid levels remain higher over the course of time and that increases the danger of staining. Colored beverages stain the teeth in general, so it’s best to stick with water.
Some starchy foods
Starches also raise acid levels from bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria erodes tooth enamel. More refined or cooked starches are more likely to raise acid levels in the mouth. Some examples of refined starches are breads, pastas, rice and potatoes. But don’t worry, raw starch vegetables don’t endanger tooth enamel.
Berries
Berries with dark pigmentation can stain teeth easily. The seeds from the berries can also get stuck in your gums and between your teeth, which can affect your oral health. Make sure you floss well after eating berries to avoid any further issues!
Sweet snacks
Sugary snacks and foods increase acid levels from bacteria in the mouth. Hard candies and gummy candies are especially difficult for the saliva to wash away.
Sugary breakfast cereals
Breakfast cereals typically contain a mixture of a lot of sugar and starch. The combination of the two is especially harmful to maintaining that white smile you desire. The powerful duo of sugar and starch is more likely to get stuck in the plaque between the teeth.
Don’t worry though, at Dr. Joana Gutierrez Ganeshappa’s office we offer in office and take home whitening options that will fit your needs and bring your smile to the brightness you desire. Contact us today for a consultation on which whitening service is right for you!