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These Foods and Drinks Are Terrible For Your Pearly Whites

You might be fooled into thinking that your teeth will remain perfectly white if you schedule regular appointments with the dentist, and brush and floss them twice per day. The thing is that our favorite foods and drinks can actually leave a much more lasting impact on our teeth than you could ever imagine. Here are 10 of the worst foods and drinks that leave stains on your teeth: 
 
1. Coffee 
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Coffee contains tannins that result in your teeth being discolored. Tannin is the same substance that’s used in tanning leather and making ink. What’s more is that coffee is highly acidic, and can alter the pH balance in your mouth significantly. This can lead to weakened tooth enamel, which is more vulnerable to staining once damaged.
2. Tea 
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Bad news for tea drinkers – tea can be just as bad as coffee when it comes to your teeth being stained, if not worse. Naturally-occurring tannins and processes such as oxidation can really take to teeth, potentially leaving them stained or splotchy.
3. Tomato Sauce 
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Although that huge serving of spaghetti and meatballs looks amazing on your plate, it might not look so good on your teeth. Tomato sauce contains a highly pigmented color and is also acidic. This leads to weakened tooth enamel, which in turn leads to teeth that are more susceptible to staining. Just so you know, eating tomato sauce occasionally is fine – just don’t do it every day.
4. Balsamic Vinegar 
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Balsamic vinegar is a condiment made from concentrated grape juice, and it’s also quite handy at staining teeth thanks to its sticky consistency and dark pigment content.
5. Beetroot 
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There’s no doubting that beetroots are healthy and delicious, but their deep color means that they can affect the whiteness of teeth significantly. Don’t snack on beetroots every day if you want to keep your teeth looking pearly white!
6. Berries 
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Healthy and delicious berries, when in eaten in significant quantities, can also contribute to dimming your smile. This is particularly true when referring to blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries, regardless of whether they are eaten, drunk or processed as jelly or jam. If you must have your berries, don’t leave them sitting in your mouth afterward, and try consuming some hard cheese or milk afterward in order to neutralize their acidity.
7. Curries 
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If you’re a fan of curry, you won’t be too pleased to know that the classic Indian sauce can discolor your teeth. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables together with a curry dish in order to prevent it from sitting too long on your teeth.
8. Sports Drinks 
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A neon-hued sports drink goes down great after a strenuous gym session, but sports drinks can erode enamel and stain teeth. In addition, sports drinks can contain high amounts of sugar, which might not be the healthiest thing for you if you’re on a health drive.
9. Sodas 
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Everyone knows that sodas are bad for your teeth, but it turns out that soda is one of the worst things you can drink if you want a white smile. That’s because they contain phosphoric and carbonic acids, and each of these substances is great at eroding tooth enamel. The effect is only multiplied when they’re combined. Last but not least, their high sugar content creates a perfect breeding ground for tooth-munching bacteria.
10. Fruit Juices 
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The acidity in fruit juice makes your teeth more susceptible to staining, not to mention a whole lot of sugar. If you really must have your fruit juice, have a single serving, and keep in mind that water’s always a better bet for staying hydrated and preserving your smile.
 
Images by Deposit Photos
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