The underlying health of your mouth, teeth, and gum tissue is important, but the look of your smile should also be a priority. Certain foods and drinks, which you may think are safe and healthy, may actually be discoloring your teeth over time. This discoloration can affect the actual whiteness and brightness of your teeth indefinitely. By reducing your intake of these surprising foods and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings, you can have a white and bright smile.

Sports Drinks

If you participate in sports or are active in general, you may consume large amounts of sports drinks. These beverages are helpful for hydrating and giving yourself a quick boost of energy. Unfortunately, they can affect the look of your smile and your overall oral health.

Sports drinks contain acidic properties that dry out your mouth, even though they can hydrate your body. These acids can also erode tooth enamel, allowing food particles and bacteria to build up inside the teeth. This buildup increases the risk of cavities and decay.

The dyes used in these drinks can also stain the surface of your teeth. If your enamel has begun to erode after excess consumption, the staining may be severe and difficult to remove.

Instead of consuming the traditional sports drinks, consider drinking water instead. Or, diluting the sports drinks with water to reduce your exposure to acids and dyes.

Soy Sauce (and other Condiments)

Soy sauce is a great accent for your sushi rolls and other foods. You may enjoy it so much that you absentmindedly pour more at your sushi establishment and grab extra packets when picking up your Chinese take-out.

Even though it is a thin, watery liquid, soy cause is one condiment that can quickly discolor your teeth.

Of course, this sauce is not the only condiment that may affect your smile.

Consuming large amounts of ketchup and balsamic vinegar can also affect the whiteness of your smile.

Reducing your intake of these condiments is smart if you want to protect the colors of your teeth. Or, consider different condiments, such as duck sauce or hot mustard, which do not have stain-inducing properties.

Berries

Not only are they delicious, but they are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to your diet. However, berries are also a common cause of tooth staining.

Most berries contain dark dyes, which will dull and discolor the whiteness of your teeth, but that is not the only way these fruits can affect your oral health.

Berries contain acids, as well, which eat through enamel and dry out your mouth. Without sufficient tooth enamel and adequate saliva, your mouth, teeth, and gums will be at risk of decay, infections, and gum disease.

With proper understanding, you will know which foods and drinks are actually harming your teeth. This guide and your cosmetic dentist's help will offer suggestions on how to whiten and brighten your teeth through diet, dental cleanings, and whitening treatments. To learn more about your options, contact services such as Carolina Forest Family Dentistry.