Those who want to have white teeth need to avoid some foods that can yellow the dental arch. Whether out of vanity or health care, the truth is that the desire to have beautiful and healthy teeth is almost unanimous. The smile is our business card and it is through it that people will form their first impression of us. That’s why well-groomed teeth are a great presentation!
However, it is normal that, over time, as we begin to age, our teeth start to lose their natural white tone. And there are agents that can further accelerate this process, as they can deteriorate the enamel.
In addition to cigarettes, there are a number of foods that contribute to teeth turning yellow and we often don’t even realize they are capable of it. Check out below some of the main foods we use in our daily lives that contribute to the yellowing of teeth.
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What are the foods that make your teeth yellow?
Coffee , soda, paprika, beets and açaí are some of the foods and beverages that can contribute to the yellowing of teeth. According to the dentist Bruna Galvão, “a diet rich in artificial colorings, old age, smoking, lack of oral hygiene and genetics” are the main reasons for yellowing teeth. Therefore, understand more about the aforementioned foods and other products that can harm the white color of teeth.
Café
According to the Government of Brazil, coffee is present in most homes in the country. For this reason, it is considered the second most consumed drink by Brazilians. But despite its numerous benefits, the famous coffee can become a villain if not consumed in moderation.
The dark color of the drink can give an increasingly yellowish hue to teeth if consumed too much. In addition to causing insomnia, increasing anxiety, and even causing addiction.
Soda
In the dentist surgeon’s list, the soda is also placed as one of the villains for white teeth. That’s because, this liquid so consumed in the country has different dyes in its composition. And these substances are capable of causing the darkening of the dental arch.
Wine
Even being considered healthy for the body, when consumed in moderation, red wine also poses risks for a white smile. Unfortunately, due to its strong color, excessive consumption of this drink can cause stains or a yellowish tint to the teeth.
Paprika
According to Bruna Galvão, paprika is a danger to white teeth. Widely used in Brazilian cuisine, this seasoning has a red color that can harm the natural color of the teeth. For this reason, it is recommended to use this product in moderation during the preparation of dishes.
Tomato extract
Known for giving a new face to pasta, meat and various types of food, tomato sauce may not be a good choice for those who want white teeth.
In addition to its strong color, the condiment also has high concentrations of acid, which contributes not only to the yellowing of the smile, but also to the wear and tear on the teeth.
Beetroot
Even being a natural food, beetroot has a dark color that can harm a white smile. The purple color that characterizes this vegetable comes from a substance called betacyanin, in excess this root is able to contribute to the darkening of teeth.
Açaí
In addition to the natural color of açaí, many of the products sold in supermarkets and snack bars have artificial colors. The addition of these substances can impair tooth whitening. Thus, it is recommended to consume açaí in moderation and give preference to the more natural types.
What foods protect your teeth?
In addition to moderating the items mentioned above, to protect your teeth it is necessary to maintain correct oral hygiene and bet on products that can strengthen the arch. For example, foods and drinks rich in calcium, as this substance is essential in maintaining the body’s bone mass, including teeth. (two)
Thus, among the foods that protect teeth because they are rich in calcium are:
- fish like fried hake
- Skimmed and whole milk types
- Enriched soy- based drink
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Ricotta
- Green cabbage
- Sesame
- Tofu
How to whiten teeth
According to dentist Bruna Galvão, teeth whitening should be done in the office or at home, but with the monitoring of a professional in the area. Among the types of whitening that exist are laser, LED, conventional, homemade and with adhesive tapes, pens or special folders.
According to the professional, this first type “has the function of decreasing sensitivity after the procedure and there is no need for whitening gel.” While the one with LED is used after the application of the gel in order to intensify the power of this lightener. Besides, the LED one is less aggressive than the one made with laser.
“Professional or conventional bleaching consists of applying only the bleaching gel at a higher dose, divided into at least 3 sessions. No need for laser or LED. It is one of the simplest and least aggressive techniques for teeth, but it brings results as good as the other techniques”, explains the professional.
Home tooth whitening, on the other hand, is done in the comfort of the home, but with the dentist’s guidance. Bruna informs that before the treatment, the patient must go to the office to perform the impressions of the upper and lower dental arches. With the silicone molds ready, the professional should recommend a different whitening gel than the one used in the office.
Then, it gives the necessary guidelines for the patient to continue bleaching at home. “It is a less aggressive treatment, but it takes much longer to reach the desired result”, emphasizes Bruna.
Finally, the specialist explains that whitening with adhesive tapes, pens or special folders does not have lasting effectiveness. For Bruna Galvão, “they serve as a make-up that comes off quickly. In addition, they cause greater sensitivity to the teeth.”
How to clean yellow teeth?
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, the patient can clean yellow teeth by performing oral hygiene correctly. “Brushing your teeth at least three times a day, for about 30 minutes after meals. Using pastes, creams and rinses without dyes”, recommends the dentist.
But of course, it is necessary to avoid smoking and consuming pigmented drinks and foods that make your teeth yellow. As already mentioned, some of them are: coffee, wine, soft drinks, tomato sauce, beetroot, açaí. Finally, it is recommended to visit the dentist periodically for cleaning of tartar, cavities and application of fluoride.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.