How What Your Kids Eat can Reduce or Result in Stained Teeth

Regular brushing and flossing are two of the keys to your child's whitest smile, while the third smile secret is simply their daily diet. Learn which foods can darken teeth, as well as which can keep them white.

Choose to Chew these Foods to Avoid Stained Teeth

Dentists agree that one of the ways to maintain a white smile is with a healthy, balanced diet. Aim to eat a variety of vitamins and minerals to ensure that both your smile and your body get the nutrients they need. Try to fill your fridge with these healthy choices:

• Milk and Cheese - Along with neutralizing acids in the mouth by increasing your saliva flow, all of the protein and calcium in these dairy sources can strengthen teeth and prevent the erosion of their white enamel.
• Fish and Flax Seeds -These choices are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are the strongest anti-inflammatory nutrients. And foods that reduce inflammation may protect you from gum disease.
• Cocoa - Research shows that cocoa can also lessen inflammation, while protecting you from tooth decay and enamel erosion.
• Water - In addition to being the best way to quench your thirst, it’s the smartest way to avoid stained teeth. See, water rinses away the sugars, acids, and hidden food particles that can wear away enamel and result in tooth discoloration.
• Sugar-Free Drinks - If water isn’t your cup of tea, then choose sugar-free drinks because they also wash away the harmful particles that can diminish your white enamel.

Forget these Foods that Lead to the Discoloration of Teeth

Face it, your diet can either help or harm your teeth. If you choose the wrong foods and drinks, you’re likely to face the discoloration of teeth. Stay away from these foods if you want your teeth to stay white:

• Darker Beverages - Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can lead to stained teeth, as well as weaken tooth enamel with their powerful acids.
• Sugar-filled Drinks - Sugary drinks like sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices are full of the simple sugars and acids that can erode enamel, which makes teeth appear much darker.
• Sweet Snacks - Most candies and gums are all sugar, which can attack teeth and remove their white enamel.
• Starch-Stuffed Foods - Starchy items like white breads, rice, potatoes, pastas, and cereals are full of sneaky sugars that can deplete tooth enamel. If you want to protect your enamel and therefore avoid tooth discoloration, you should skip starches that are more cooked or refined, and choose the raw starches found in vegetables instead.