FOODS THAT STAIN YOUR TEETH Tea: Tea is a healthy drink, but it may not be the best choice for keeping your teeth white. Dentists say the brew - especially the basic black variety - can cause more stains than coffee. Herbal and white teas can wear away the outer covering of your teeth, called enamel, and cause stains, too. Sauces: They must be tasty, but deeply colored sauces - think soy, tomato, and curry - also cause stains. Sports Drinks: Acidic foods and drinks can also affect your teeth. Sports or energy drinks can erode enamel, setting the stage for stains. Drinking water during workouts is a better choice. Wine: If a food or drink can stain a tablecloth, it can stain your teeth. It's no surprise that red wine, an acídic drink known for its dark, rich color, will discolor teeth. But white wine, which has even more acid, also can. Fruits and Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and other vibrantly colored fruits can stain teeth. So can juices and pies made from them. Paler fruits, like white grapes and white cranberries, are less likely to cause stains. But they do contain acid that can soften or weaken your enamel. Soda, Cola, and Other Carbonated Drinks: Thanks to acids and dyes, these drinks - even light-colored ones can lead to serious stains. In addition, the chemicals that add flavor can also eat away your enamel. Candy and Sweets: If your favorite sweet like hard candy, chewing gum, or a Popsicle - makes your tongue change colors, it can also stain your teeth. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1772690 FOODS THAT STAIN YOUR TEETH Tea: Tea is a healthy drink, but it may not be the best choice for keeping your teeth white. Dentists say the brew - especially the basic black variety - can cause more stains than coffee. Herbal and white teas can wear away the outer covering of your teeth, called enamel, and cause stains, too. Sauces: They must be tasty, but deeply colored sauces - think soy, tomato, and curry - also cause stains. Sports Drinks: Acidic foods and drinks can also affect your teeth. Sports or energy drinks can erode enamel, setting the stage for stains. Drinking water during workouts is a better choice. Wine: If a food or drink can stain a tablecloth, it can stain your teeth. It's no surprise that red wine, an acídic drink known for its dark, rich color, will discolor teeth. But white wine, which has even more acid, also can. Fruits and Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and other vibrantly colored fruits can stain teeth. So can juices and pies made from them. Paler fruits, like white grapes and white cranberries, are less likely to cause stains. But they do contain acid that can soften or weaken your enamel. Soda, Cola, and Other Carbonated Drinks: Thanks to acids and dyes, these drinks - even light-colored ones can lead to serious stains. In addition, the chemicals that add flavor can also eat away your enamel. Candy and Sweets: If your favorite sweet like hard candy, chewing gum, or a Popsicle - makes your tongue change colors, it can also stain your teeth. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1772690