Teeth whitening has become somewhat of a phenomenon, whereby people visit their dentist and expect an instant fix – walking in with slightly yellowing teeth and walking away with the perfect Hollywood smile. 

Of course, while there are treatments available which can brighten the teeth and restore some of their natural, pearly white shine, in many cases it is only by combining whitening treatment with a change in lifestyle, diet, and routine that true transformation can be achieved. 

In this blog, we’re focussing specifically on diet and how what you put in your mouth affects the colour of your teeth. 

How does diet affect the teeth?

Diet has a huge and lasting impact on all aspects of your health, and can make or break everything from your figure and lifespan to the look of your hair, skin, nails, and teeth. 

What you eat doesn’t just get stuck in your teeth, it can also have a lasting impact on the colour and health of your teeth – with certain ingredients, components, and products causing stains, increasing plaque, and contributing towards tooth decay. And, while yellowing teeth might seem like the lesser issue next to increased plaque and tooth decay, these issues are often connected – with yellowing teeth a sign to many dentists that there may be other underlying oral hygiene issues and concerns. 

Here are some of the ways that diet affects the teeth, making white teeth maintenance more difficult:

• Some products stain the teeth and mouth, and, when not rinsed effectively, can alter the surface colour of the teeth. 
• Sugary foods cause a breakdown of the teeth’s natural enamel coating. The impact of this is two-fold, as it exposes the teeth to future staining from particular products and food groups, and also causes exacerbated wear and tear, thus exposing the yellow dentin of the tooth. 
• Acidic foods can react to and erode the surface of the teeth with overconsumption. This is an important one to recognise, because acidic foods can be natural – for example, citrus fruits. As such, knowing the impact of these ingredients is key to retaining healthy teeth. 
• A diet that is lacking in some nutrients can mean that the tissues in your mouth struggle to resist infection – thus leading to potential gum disease. Though not directly linked to the colour of your teeth, gum disease is a lasting problem which impacts your overall oral health.

Of course, it’s not all bad. Many natural foods can actually help the teeth and contribute towards whiter teeth, by rinsing and cleaning the surface of the teeth, and preventing the build-up of plaque. More on this later in the article – but first, to the worst enemy of white teeth… 

White teeth’s worst enemy

You guessed it – we’re back to red wine and coffee. Though these are considered two of the most popular beverages among adults, consumed at either end of a busy day, they are two of the worst offenders when it comes to maintaining white teeth. Why? Because of their ability to sit on the surface of the teeth and contribute towards lasting stains. 

The same is true of other products and goods which contain tannins, richly coloured ingredients like turmeric, as well as dark fruits with a juice that hangs around in the mouth and, when not rinsed effectively, can cause lasting stains. 

Changes you can make to help whiten your teeth

There are really two ways of approaching the role of diet in teeth whitening – the first by discussing habits and routines to minimise potential staining, and the second by sharing the foods and products which actually contribute towards achieving cleaner and whiter teeth.

To look at point one first, let’s return to the red wine and coffee that keep cropping up. As two of the worst offenders in discolouring white teeth, knowing how to prevent red wine and coffee from staining your teeth is important – and it all comes down to balancing the acidity in the products and rinsing them off your teeth. After consuming a glass of red wine or a mug of coffee, you need to allow the liquid to neutralise in your mouth for an hour or so before brushing it away with your toothbrush. Alternatively, balance your consumption of these goods with a glass of water, to rinse away any residue. 

Secondly, which foods are the best at actually contributing towards a healthier mouth and a white smile? There are plenty of old wives’ tales out there that cite specific ingredients and their whitening properties – however, as dental professionals, we know there is a definitive link between a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables, and stronger and whiter teeth. This is because the vitamins that are found inside these natural products strengthen the teeth and help to fight the build-up of plaque and subsequent tooth decay. Not only that, but certain foods are known to clean the teeth naturally by stimulating the production of saliva to rinse the mouth, and by stabilising the layer of enamel on the teeth. Leafy greens, beans and legumes, some fruits, and vegetables are all known to help boost naturally white teeth. 

Combining all of this with a move away from the sugary foods that exacerbate decay and cause the enamel on the teeth to break down will help to keep a bright smile firmly fixed on your face. And, if you’re struggling to get back to a white enamel canvas on which to build your new, healthier food habits and dietary choices, you can always explore professional teeth whitening to help reset your smile. 

When to seek advice

If you’re struggling with yellowing teeth, it could be a combination of dietary choices and poor oral hygiene – or it could simply be a sign of ageing, and wear and tear. A professional dentist will be able to advise on the best steps to take to achieve a whiter and brighter smile, combining access to a dental hygienist with little changes to factor into your oral hygiene routine and diet, which can have a lasting, positive impact.

For more advice on achieving a whiter smile, and to discuss the issues behind the colour of your teeth, get in touch with your local professional dentist.