Foods and habits that stain your teeth

Most foods that yellow teeth contain some chemical compounds or colorants with the common feature of having a dark color. In addition, foods and drinks containing tannin compounds are also considered to be the culprits that cause teeth to become more yellow.
According to experts, foods that stain teeth are often acidic, causing negative effects on the function of teeth such as: rapid tooth erosion, increasing the risk of forming yellow stains.
In general, any compound that can stain clothing or discolor the tongue can stain teeth.

According to experts, acidic red wine will directly erode tooth enamel, making the tooth surface rough. This phenomenon combined with the increased overall surface area of ​​the teeth will create conditions for colorants in everyday foods to stick together and cause teeth to become yellow over time.
In addition, it is drinking red wine that directly causes teeth to change color and become more yellow with long-term use.

Coffee is a familiar drink every morning of Vietnamese people, but it is one of the foods that stain teeth. Coffee ingredients contain tannin compounds (chemical nature is a polyphenol), which can cause colorants to stick to the surface and cause teeth to yellow.

Similar to coffee, tea contains tannin, so of course it will be classified as a food group that yellows teeth. However, if you are a tea enthusiast, the good news is that there are simple ways to minimize the potential of tea to stain teeth.
A reliable 2014 study proved, just adding 2% milk significantly reduces the ability of tea to stain teeth. The cause was determined to be casein (a protein in cow's milk). This compound works to prevent stains on teeth caused by tea.

Raspberries, blueberries, pomegranates and other dark berries all contain black pigment and are foods that stain teeth. Coloring organic substances can penetrate and stick to the tiny holes in the enamel surface. This explains the phenomenon that our teeth turn purple and can be maintained after a while of eating blueberries.
Besides, dark colored fruits or juices such as grapes, beets... can also stain teeth when consumed for a long time.

People who regularly use soft drinks containing a lot of sugar are at risk of yellowing and discolored teeth. This is because canned drinks are acidic (like soda) and can erode the enamel of the user's teeth.
Enamel erosion not only makes teeth more susceptible to discoloration, but also exposes the dentin layer (which is darker and yellower than enamel) to the outside and makes teeth more yellow than usual.

If we want to maintain our pearly white teeth, we should be wary of foods that yellow our teeth like tomato-based sauces, especially for those who love pizza or spaghetti.
Sauces made from tomatoes are both dark in color and acidic, so there is a very high risk of yellowing teeth. Rinsing your mouth with clean water after using this sauce can limit the possibility of teeth staining.

Two dark-colored spices such as soy sauce and balsamic vinegar are also included in the group of common teeth staining foods.
According to experts, the high acid concentration in balsamic vinegar can cause tooth enamel to break down, allowing stains to form. Basically, anything put in the mouth that can stain a napkin has the potential to cause a stain on the user's teeth.

Food or drink may not be the only cause of surface yellow stains. If we notice that our teeth are stained yellow, we need to consider the following risk factors.

Yellow stains on teeth can be caused by frequent smoking habits or similar products (such as pipes, cigars). The ingredients in tobacco can directly affect tooth color because of the presence of the following 2 chemical compounds:
Nicotine : A colorless substance that makes teeth yellow when exposed to oxygen; Tar: A naturally dark colored compound.

Experts confirm that the tooth surface is contaminated with stains from the use of antibiotics such as tetracycline, especially when used for children under 7 years old.
Tetracycline limits calcium deposition while permanent teeth are forming. This condition creates dark bands or stripes that are difficult to remove.

Wear and tear on the tooth surface over time can cause teeth to become yellow. Brushing your teeth every day inadvertently causes enamel to gradually erode and thin. This allows the underlying dentin (which is slightly yellow in color) to come out and makes the tooth appear darker.

Infection of the pulp or soft tissue underneath the enamel and dentin can be the cause of teeth yellowing and discoloration.
Severe caries can break the pulp, so there is a very high risk of damaging the roots and causing the teeth to turn black and gray. Interventions may require removal of the pulp to clear the tooth of decay and infection.

Trauma to baby teeth can affect the growth of permanent teeth, sometimes causing adult teeth to turn yellow when enamel doesn't form properly.
Injury is also a factor that can make adult teeth look darker if the enamel layer is worn away, exposing the yellower natural dentin underneath.

Eliminate or limit foods that yellow teeth: This is not the best solution because many yellowing foods provide many important nutrients. However, cutting down on foods that stain teeth can effectively prevent tooth discoloration; Brush teeth properly: It is necessary to maintain a regular brushing habit every day, especially right after using foods that make teeth yellow; Rinse your mouth with clean water the day after eating foods that stain your teeth to help wash away some of the residue on your teeth. Use a straw when drinking: When using dark fruit juice, coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks, consider using a straw to prevent the liquid from coming into direct contact with your teeth; Limit smoking: Talk to your doctor when you need help to cut down or completely eliminate tobacco use; Teeth whitening: Dentists can whiten teeth with an in-office bleaching process using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, your dentist may have you use custom-fitted trays to deliver whitening gels. With this home treatment, you'll wear the aligners for up to 1 hour a day for a few weeks and your teeth will be whiter. Dental - Jaw - Facial - Vinmec International General Hospital specializes in examining and treating all common dental problems in adults and children. The hospital has a team of qualified doctors and dentists and a system of advanced machinery to help support the examination process well and shorten the time.
Therefore, when there is any problem, you can go to the hospital to be checked for appropriate instructions from a specialist doctor. Avoiding leaving for a long time will affect the structure and aesthetics of the teeth.

References: healthline, webmd