Although seemingly everyone wishes they had a sparkling, bright smile, very few people come by them honestly. Teeth are naturally tinted more ivory than snowy, so you may need a professional whitening service with your dentist to achieve the perfect shade.

Then, it’s only natural to want to do everything you can to preserve your recent cosmetic enhancement. In addition to brushing and flossing twice daily, you can avoid these 3 common foods that might cause additional discoloration!

Item #1: Coffee or Tea

Do you look forward to your first sip of coffee or tea to motivate you to get up and moving in the morning? Although your favorite caffeinated beverage might boost your energy levels, it can also potentially stain your grin.

This is because these drinks are derived from ingredients containing tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds present in some plants responsible for their bitter flavor. They are also darkly pigmented and can be absorbed by the microscopic pores in your enamel. Repeated or frequent exposure over time can leave your pearly whites looking more yellow or brown.  

Item #2: Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is another popular ingredient known for causing stains, whether in your tablecloth or in your teeth! Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is a red pigment that binds to porous surfaces and repels water, making it difficult to wash away. Furthermore, tomatoes are also highly acidic and can erode your enamel.  

That means they’re doubly dangerous for recently whitened teeth. You might want to avoid foods with tomato sauce, like pizza or spaghetti, to preserve your results.  

Item #3: Blueberries

This small superfood is popular among health advocates for many good reasons. It contains lots of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that support your body in several ways. For instance, they can support heart and brain health, improve blood sugar regulation, and help reduce certain risks associated with various cancers and diseases.

However, they also contain chromogens, which are the powerfully pigmented particles that turn your fingers purple or blue when you squish them. These are prone to clinging to different surfaces, including fabric and enamel, and can leave your teeth looking ruddy and dark.

Even if you avoid common culprits that cause discoloration, your teeth whitening won’t last forever. Usually, you can expect to enjoy the results for 6 months to 3 years, though you can extend their longevity with periodic touch-up treatments with your dentist to preserve the perfect shade!

About the Practice

Patients at Dix Hills Family Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists with over a decade of experience. Dr. Gaur, Dr. Soni-Gaur, and Dr. Lo collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages under one roof, including teeth whitening. They offer in-office services as well as professional take-home kits with ultra-concentrated gels and custom-fitted applicator trays for optimal results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (631) 673-8040.