Proper oral hygiene is the only way to a beautiful smile, but don't neglect certain food items that can cause teeth stains. A luminous, white smile is the stuff that dreams are made of. And it’s no wonder, considering how much the appearance of our teeth affects our image.
Case in point: Research shows people with whiter teeth are perceived as more socially competent, smarter, more satisfied with their relationships, and more psychologically adjusted. Another study (commissioned by Crest) suggests that a brighter smile may lead to more success in both your professional and personal lives.
Needless to say, we were curious to find which foods and drinks lead to a more radiant smile—and which ones tint and tarnish our pearly whites. If you’re seeing tons of stains, try to cut your intake of the foods on the "naughty" list below to every other day max. And most importantly, stay on top of your regular dental habits, like flossing daily, brushing twice a day, and popping into your dentist’s office for regular check-ups. Read on for the foods that dull your smile and which ones will make it sparkle.
* Coffee: It might be helping you to stay up, but the acid polyphenol in it is staining your teeth.
* Tea: Tea stains are worse than the coffee stains. All types of tea - black, green or white tea, stain the teeth.
* Pasta Sauce: Because of their acidity, bright red hue and tendency to cling to the teeth, the tomatoes in pasta sauce can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining.
* Beverages: They are refreshing, but the acidic nature of that fizzy drink is eroding your enamel and also the bright smile.
* Curry: Again, amazing for tastebuds, but bad if you want to keep your teeth white.
* Balsamic vinegar: It is used for salads, but it has also a negative aspect. Its dark natural colour tends to stick to teeth.
* Berries: The anti-oxidant property gets a thumbs up. The same can't be said about its dark hue that affects teeth.