After going to the dentist for a teeth whitening treatment, many people want for their brilliant smiles to last as long as possible. According to the staff at Kaimuki Dental Group of Honolulu, HI, whiter teeth can also help patients pay close attention to their oral hygiene, as well as understand which foods to avoid due to the risk of staining. Here are a few foods and drinks this team of experts says to stay away from to prevent teeth staining.

5 Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth

1. Red & White Wine

Probably the most common offender in cosmetic dentistry is wine. Red wine is famous for its ability to quickly ruin a whitening treatment, but those who prefer white wine may be in for a surprise. While the color of your favorite chardonnay might not stain, the drink is highly acidic and makes enamel more porous. Bacteria can then infiltrate those pores, leaving behind stains on teeth.

2. Coffee & Tea

Coffee and black tea are also well-known for their stains, especially when it comes to teeth. For coffee fans who are unwilling to go without their caffeine fix, repeated teeth whitening treatments are worthwhile. Rinse with water after a cup of coffee or tea to minimize staining in between visits. 

3. Acidic Foods

In the same way that white wine makes teeth more porous, acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits can be responsible for leaving enamel vulnerable to bacteria and stains. This includes foods with acidic ingredients, like pasta sauce, lemonade, or salsa.

4. Dark Berries

Anything that can stain a white shirt can also stain your teeth, and darkly-pigmented berries are no different. Stay away from blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and pomegranate seeds to keep your smile bright, especially after a teeth whitening treatment.

5. Sweets & Soda

Everyone has heard that candy and soda can cause cavities, but few people know they can also stain the surface of your pearly whites. For the same reasons as white wine, tomatoes, and citrus, any foods containing high amounts of refined sugar can make tooth enamel more prone to staining. Once bacteria settles in and starts to feed on leftover sugar particles, yellowing starts to occur.

If your teeth are looking a little dull and you’re in need of restoring them to a healthy white, it may not be enough to simply avoid the above foods. Trust the team of professionals at Kaimuki Dental Group to keep your smile looking fresh and clean. Call (808) 737-7905 to schedule an appointment for one of their quick teeth whitening procedures, or visit their website for further details on their services. You can also find them on Facebook.