6 hours Ago By Hanna Geissler
Coffee and red wine are often blamed for staining teeth, but a dentist has shared details of four unexpected foods that can tarnish your pearly whites. Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum clinic, said lesser-known culprits are found everyday foods, including healthy meals and sauces. He explained: “People tend to blame things like coffee and cola for tooth discolouration — and they’re not wrong.
But there are other foods that catch people off guard. They might seem harmless, even good for you, but over time they can leave noticeable stains if you're not careful.” The four foods identified by Dr Bozic are: Sometimes described as a nutritional powerhouse, beetroot is rich in protective antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
But its intense red-purple pigment can be tough on enamel. Dr Bozic said: “Beetroot’s natural colour is incredibly strong, and it clings to teeth quite easily. If your enamel is slightly porous or weakened, it can soak up that pigment just like a sponge.
” The dental expert recommended eating beetroot as part of a full meal, rather than alone, and rinsing with water or milk afterwards to reduce its impact. Low in calories and fat, with very little natural sugar, balsamic vinegar is a popular salad dressing. However it is also “dark, sticky, and acidic — a perfect storm for staining teeth,” Dr Bozic explained.
“It tends to coat the surface of the teeth and cling on, especially if you’re eating it with soft foods like bread.” Pairing it with crunchy vegetables like cucumber or lettuce, which naturally help scrub the teeth as you chew, can offer some protection, he added. “Soy sauce is very dark and salty, and because it’s often eaten with white rice or noodles, there’s nothing in the meal that really ‘cleans’ the teeth as you eat,” Dr Bozic said.
“The dark colouring can settle into the small cracks and grooves in your enamel, especially if your teeth aren’t freshly brushed.” He advises rinsing with water after eating, and being mindful of how frequently you consume highly pigmented sauces. The rich spice blends used in curries can help to boost digestion, immunity and heart health.
But they can also cause cause gradual yellowing over time. “Turmeric, in particular, is one of the strongest natural dyes out there,” Dr Bozic said. “Combine that with oil and spices, and it can stain your teeth with regular exposure.
” The effect may not be noticeable after one meal but could emerge unless regular curry eaters maintain excellent oral hygiene , the surgeon said. However, he says none of these foods need to be eliminated from your diet. He added: “You don’t have to avoid them completely.
“But if you’re eating them regularly, simple steps like drinking water after meals, chewing sugar-free gum, and brushing properly twice a day can make a big difference in keeping your teeth looking their best.”.
