12 foods and drinks that can stain your teeth

You brush your teeth twice a day, schedule regular cleanings with your dentist, and floss (almost) every day. So your smile should stay white and dazzling, right'Not so fast. There are actually plenty of common foods and everyday habits that might be secretly staining your teeth. Here are some of the worst offenders. Coffee is a common cause of yellowing teeth.You probably knew this one was coming. Coffee contains tannins that can leave your teeth discolored, according to Healthline. Tannin is actually the same substance thats used in tanning leather and making ink. Furthermore, coffee is also acidic and can alter the pH in your mouth. This can weaken your enamel, which is the thin and translucent outer shell that covers your teeth and protects them from damage. Its the hardest tissue in the human body, but enamel isn't impervious to the effects of acidic food and drinks. Once this part of your teeth is damaged, it's more vulnerable to staining. Tea might also be a culprit if you have a stained smile.Many people opt for tea over coffee to reap its numerous reported health benefits. If you're a tea fan, the news that this beverage can actually cause more tooth staining than a cup of joe might not be very welcome. "Despite the fact that your dark roast may appear to have more color than say, black tea, through naturally occurring tannins and processes such as oxidation, teas can really take to teeth, potentially leaving you stained or splotchy," according to Jefferson Dental Care.Tomato sauce is highly staining.That mammoth serving of spaghetti and meatballs definitely looks good on your plate, but it might not look so good on your teeth. As aesthetic dentist Dr. Michael Apa explained to GQ, tomato sauce "contains a highly pigmented color and is acidic as well. Acidic foods can weaken the enamel layer of your tooth which can make it more porous and in turn more susceptible to stains."Though there's nothing wrong with tomato sauce now and then, eating it every day could leave you with some tooth discoloration. Keep the worst at bay by taking sips of water between bites to prevent the sauce from lingering too long on your teeth. See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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