Most people are familiar with the fact that heavily pigmented foods can leave behind a tint on your teeth, which is why dentists recommend avoiding sweets, coffee, and red wine. But there are a few other snacks you may be surprised to learn can also impact the health and color of your smile—whether for better or worse. Here’s a closer look at some of them.

How Different Foods Can Change Your Smile

1. Lemons

When you eat anything, the pH balance of your saliva changes, becoming more acidic. This chemical reaction is more severe when you consume lemons, limes, and oranges, which are already low on the pH scale. These sour foods soften dental enamel, making it easier to wear away this white, protective covering unintentionally, revealing the underlying yellow dentin. If you enjoy adding lemon juice to your food or drinking lemonade, dentists suggest swishing your mouth with fresh water afterward to help neutralize the effect of the citrus.

2. Green Tea

Prized by the Chinese for centuries, green tea has been shown to be just as healthy for your smile as it is for your body. Because it contains high levels of a naturally-occurring antioxidant called catechin, it can reduce oral inflammation and ward off gum disease. Dentists also like it because of its anti-bacterial properties, which help reduce the likelihood of cavities.

3. Strawberries 

Although in many cases, people should stay away from foods naturally high in pigments, strawberries are an exception to the rule. They contain a compound called malic acid, which acts as a mild astringent that can whiten teeth.

Dental health isn’t always easy to decode, which is why having a great dentist to help monitor your teeth is important. At Cherry Hill Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, they focus on treating every patient with the kindness and respect they deserve, while simultaneously offering the highest level of care. Whether performing preventative examinations or restorative dental services, their expert staff will make you feel at ease. Explore their website to learn more, or give their office a call at (402) 488-2383.