9 Foods That Stain Your Teeth (Slideshow)

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar sticks to your teeth, which can cause discoloration. Stick to salads with balsamic vinegar because the lettuce can serve as a barrier to the dark pigments.

Soy Sauce

​The pigment in soy sauce adheres to your teeth causing stains. If you're eating sushi and soy sauce, drink some green tea or water in between bites.

Ice Pops

This summertime treat is full of dyes that can stain your teeth. The sugars and cold temperatures make your teeth more susceptible to teeth staining.  

Tomato Sauce

Deep red tomato sauce is full of flavor, but it's full of highly acidic tomatoes, which can cause unsightly stains. Before you dig into your pasta, eat a spinach salad first, which will form a protective layer on your teeth.

Tea

Tea has many great health benefits, but black teas and other dark-hued teas can cause teeth staining. Try adding some milk into these dark teas or sticking to green, white, or herbal teas. 

Berries

Berries like blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and other brightly colored fruits can stain teeth. The juices from berry pies or tarts can also cause discoloration. Try opting for light colored grapes instead or just be sure to brush and floss because the acidic components can harm tooth enamel.

Red Wine

Who can resist a glass of red wine with a nice dinner? Just make sure to drink water and swoosh it around in your mouth in between sips, because the acidic content of red wine can cause staining and wear away tooth enamel. 

Hard Candy

You know how candy sometimes turns your mouth and tongue a different color? Well, it does the same to your teeth. Eat these candies in moderation to avoid permanent teeth staining.

Coffee

Dark roast coffee is a known culprit of staining teeth. Try adding some milk or cream to help dilute some of the pigment, and make sure to drink water afterwards.