Teeth lose their natural white sheen with age—but certain foods and drinks can dull your smile even sooner. Here, the dentists of Four Corners Dental Group share the top culprits responsible for staining your teeth. Serving the communities of Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, these cosmetic dentistry professionals are dedicated to helping patients achieve bright, healthy smiles. Read on to find out what foods and drinks you should stay away from to keep your smile bright.

5 Foods & Drinks To Avoid For White Teeth

1. Tea & Coffee

If you can’t skip your morning cup of coffee, dilute it with milk to avoid serious stains. The same goes for tea, which can be even more brutal when it comes to discoloration.

2. Berries

Those antioxidant-rich berries might be good for your body, but they will wreck havoc on your teeth! The deep hues of blueberries and blackberries can be especially staining. Don’t let the juices linger in your mouth—sip water throughout a berry-eating session to rinse away the juice.

3. Pasta Sauce

Before you slather red sauce on your spaghetti, remember this—tomato sauce’s high acidity and tendency to cling to teeth grants it significant staining power. If you can, reach for the toothbrush after you’ve finished your plate of pasta.

4. Curry

A spicy curry dish at your favorite Indian restaurant can, unfortunately, lead to discolored teeth. The deep pigmentation of curry lends a yellow tinge to teeth—and is worth limiting in your diet.

5. Soda

Soda is high in acidity, which damages tooth enamel and further encourages discoloration. Both light and dark sodas are to blame!

Even if you take precautions to avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth, your smile will eventually begin to darken. Luckily, your dentist can perform a simple teeth whitening procedure to scrub out stains. If you’re in Wasilla or Anchorage, AK, trust Four Corners Dental Group to take care of your family dentistry needs. Call (907) 258-3384 for the Anchorage office or (907) 376-2790 to make an appointment in Wasilla.