Not sporting the perfect pearly white teeth like those celebrities on-screen? You are not alone. Teeth naturally have a yellow or grey tint to them depending on the hues of the outer and inner layers of your teeth. However, foods high in pigment-producing substances like tannins may deepen the stains. While you may be aware of the common culprits like coffee, here are 14 other foods that are causing your teeth to turn yellow.
Between coffee and tea, you may think that tea is the lesser of both evils. But tea contains tannins, a yellowish or brownish substance that will stain your teeth. According to a study by the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, adding milk to your teas can significantly reduce the effects of staining. Alternatively, choose green or white teas, which cause less staining.
Berries are often the go-to superfood. But their antioxidants and minerals come at a price. The deep colours from their juice and skin can cause staining. The trick is to not let them linger in your mouth for too long and to wash them down with water to minimise staining.
Colourful and hard candies are loaded with artificial colouring and sugar. Sugar will turn acidic in your mouth and chewing on hard candy will damage the surface of your teeth. The artificial colouring will then be more easily absorbed by your teeth. A general guideline – if the candy stains your tongue, it is likely to stain your teeth too.
The acidity of fruit juice will wear down the enamel (external layer) on your teeth, causing them to be more prone to absorbing colours from your foods. The worst juices to avoid are berry flavoured ones like cranberry juice because they are more highly pigmented.
Red wines are acidic and contain tannins and chromogens, which are a type of compound with pigments that cling onto enamel. The substances present in red wines are a triple whammy and will work together to stain your teeth fast.
The acidity of soft drinks will wear the enamel