When it comes to dietary choices that can impact their children’s teeth, most parents try to limit sugary snacks and beverages. While preventing tooth decay is indeed an important priority, you may also find yourself wondering which foods can leave behind stains and discoloration on children’s teeth. Like adults, kids’ diets can impact the appearance of their smiles. In addition to scheduling regular visits to the children’s dentist to keep your little ones’ smiles bright, here are some known staining agents to avoid or serve sparingly.

3 Foods & Drinks Known to Stain Children’s Teeth

1. Pasta Sauce

Spaghetti may be a dinnertime staple in your home, but too much tomato sauce can discolor enamel. The acidity in the sauce allows the bright red hue to linger, potentially causing lasting stains. If pasta is a family favorite, consider swapping out tomato sauce for pesto, light garlic and butter, or Alfredo sauce now and then. Maybe serve up some veggies beforehand. Leafy greens like kale and spinach form a protective film over the teeth to keep them protected against acidity in tomato sauce.

2. Sugary Beverages

Sodas and sports drinks may be enjoyed as occasional indulgences, but children’s dentists recommend water and milk as the best beverages for youths. Sodas and sports drinks are acidic, allowing them to erode enamel, but they also are high in sugar and more likely to cause decay. Even clear sodas can lead to stains because the acidity can cause discoloration caused by other foods to linger. Water provides the hydration children need and can help clear away leftover food particles, thereby supporting a glowing smile.

3. Berries

While children’s dentists certainly would recommend berries over sticky or sugary snacks like fruit chews or candy, they’re unfortunately notorious for causing stains. Even if they’ve been consumed in a drink, yogurt, or jelly, the deep-hued fruits can cause discoloration. Blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries leave particularly dark stains behind. To minimize their effects, have your children drink a glass of milk after enjoying their favorite berries. This will neutralize the berries’ acidity while also strengthening their enamel.

While avoiding stain-causing foods is an important aspect of encouraging optimal dental care in kids, parents must also make sure their children are seeing their dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. As Anchorage, AK’s foremost children’s dentist, Dr. Chris Coplin and his caring team at Alaska Dentistry for Kids are committed to making little ones feel comfortable in their quest for optimal dental care. With preventive services, this office can help your child maintain a smile that looks and feels its very best. Browse through their full list of services online, or call (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment.