Having a bright, shining white smile is something many people strive for. With countless whitening products on the market, it’s no wonder why so many people want to achieve pearly whites.

However, certain foods can cause stains on our teeth that can be nearly impossible to remove. Here are the worst food stains for your teeth to avoid:.

Coffee

Coffee seems to be at the top of every “worst foods for your teeth” list, and for good reason. The dark pigment found in coffee can easily stain teeth, especially if consumed frequently.

The acidity of coffee can also wear down tooth enamel, making them more susceptible to staining. If you can’t give up your daily cup of joe, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward or drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

Red Wine

Red wine is known for its dark, rich color and ability to stain almost anything it touches. Unfortunately, one of those things is your teeth.

Red wine is acidic, which can wear down tooth enamel and make it easier for the pigments in the wine to stick to your teeth. While the occasional glass of wine won’t harm your teeth, drinking red wine frequently can lead to noticeable stains.

Dark Fruits

Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranates are considered superfoods, but they can also cause major stains on your teeth. The dark pigments in these fruits can leave your teeth looking dull and yellow over time.

Eating these fruits in moderation can still provide important health benefits without causing significant staining.

Soda

Soda is one of the worst drinks for your teeth in general, but it can also cause stubborn stains. The high sugar content in soda can feed the bacteria in your mouth that produce acid, leading to tooth decay and potential staining.

Dark-colored sodas are the worst culprits, but all soda should be consumed in moderation to protect your teeth.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a common ingredient in many dishes and can add vibrant color and flavor. However, its acidic nature can erode tooth enamel, making it more likely to absorb stains from other foods and drinks.

The bright red color can also leave behind noticeable stains on your teeth. Try to limit your intake of tomato sauce or drink water while eating it to help rinse it away from your teeth.

Related Article 30 Foods That Stain Your Teeth

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a popular dressing for salads and can add tons of flavor to your meals. Unfortunately, its dark pigment can stain teeth, especially if consumed frequently. Balsamic vinegar is acidic and can cause enamel erosion as well.

If you can’t give up your balsamic dressing, try eating crunchy vegetables afterward to help scrape away any remaining vinegar from your teeth.

Candy

We all know that candy is bad for our teeth, but its sugary and sticky nature can also lead to stubborn stains. The sugar in candy can feed bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and potential stains.

Sticky candy, like caramel or taffy, can also leave residue on your teeth that can cause staining. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene if you indulge in candy to help reduce its damaging effects on your teeth.

Curry

Curry is a flavorful and spicy dish that can cause significant staining on your teeth. The yellow and orange pigments in curry can leave behind noticeable discoloration on your teeth, especially if consumed frequently.

Try to brush your teeth after eating curry, or drink water while eating it to rinse your mouth and minimize the amount of curry that comes into contact with your teeth.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian dishes and can provide tons of flavor. However, its dark color can leave behind stains on your teeth, especially if consumed frequently.

Soy sauce is also quite salty, which can lead to dry mouth and potentially more staining. If you can’t give up your soy sauce, try brushing your teeth as soon as possible after eating to remove any residue.

Cigarettes

We all know that smoking is bad for our health, but it can also lead to significant tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes can cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth, which can be very difficult to remove.

Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent this kind of staining.

Avoiding these worst food stains for your teeth can help you maintain a bright, white smile.

While it’s unrealistic to completely give up all of these foods and drinks, consuming them in moderation and practicing good oral hygiene can help protect your teeth.