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Summer is a popular time for barbeques, picnics, and parties. With all of these activities comes food that can stain your teeth. Here are the most common ones:

Ketchup

This beloved condiment can temporarily change your tooth’s color. But if this is the only food that stains your teeth, then the problem may only affect you occasionally.

A brightly colored food like ketchup contains a lot of pigment. When ketchup stays in contact with your teeth for too long, it will begin to break down the enamel. Over time, this will start to reveal the color of your tooth underneath.

Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and other berries are delicious, but they also can stain teeth. Try to eat berries with a meal that can clear away debris and bacteria, such as a salad.

Coffee

Coffee can stain teeth, especially if they are overexposed to the beverage. It can also dry out your mouth, which invites bacteria. It also stains your teeth because as you consume it, the pigments from the drink seep into the enamel of your teeth.

Coffee can also cause some people to grind their teeth. This is especially a problem because usually, when teeth grinding occurs, the enamel of your teeth is worn away. This can cause your teeth to appear yellow, which is another consequence of consuming too much coffee.

Wine

When it comes to staining teeth, wine is the worst offender. You can keep your teeth from turning red by drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum after drinking wine.

Wine stains are caused by chromogens, which are tannins that are found in the grape skins. These tannins can attach themselves to the teeth.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are popular in the summer, as they’re often refreshing and hydrating. However, they’re also very acidic and sugary, which promotes tooth decay.

Drinking sports drinks over a long period of time can lead to tooth enamel erosion and staining. Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth, and it helps protect the more sensitive dentin layer underneath. It’s made of mostly minerals, and when that layer gets eroded, the darker dentin layer can show through.

Without the enamel layer, teeth are also much more susceptible to decay, so it’s best to either consume sports drinks in moderation or switch to water. Water hydrates the body and flushes away bacteria.

BBQ Sauce

The dark, sticky BBQ sauce you slather on ribs and chicken can contain potent levels of both sugar and acids. These ingredients can erode the enamel on your teeth and lead to dental damage. Brushing and flossing your teeth after eating can minimize the risk of stains.

Beets

Beets are bright red, which makes them great summer food. But they’re also high in pigments that stick to your teeth. If you eat beets, drink plenty of water and rinse with mouthwash after you finish. You can also brush your teeth after you eat to help remove some of the pigments.

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs (and sausages) are delicious in the summer, but they’re not so great for your teeth. The cooked casing leaves a residue behind on your teeth. Chunks of meat can also get stuck in between teeth and cause cavities.

If you do choose to eat hot dogs, try getting them from a vendor who grills them to order. That way, the casing will still remain soft. Avoid adding extra condiments like onions, mustard, and relish, which can leave stains behind.

If you are looking for ways to get rid of those stains on your teeth, visit Mountain View Advanced Dental at Mountain View, CA, or call our dental clinic at (650) 988-9458.