There are some surprising things that stain the teeth, such as green tea, that are best avoided to keep your smile bright. There are also certain holiday foods that are bad for the teeth such as blueberry pie, hot chocolate and cranberries.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Americans spend more than $1.4 billion on over-the-counter products to whiten their teeth. But one local dentist says there are foods you can avoid, especially around the holidays, to help brighten your smile.

What stains your teeth more, coffee or green tea? It may surprise you to learn that tea stains more. The reason is that substances in tea leaves stick to teeth more than coffee.

“The tea or the coffee combines with the saliva and sticks to the teeth, and then that’s where the staining comes from,” said cosmetic dentist Dr. Kourosh Maddahi.

Maddahi says while coffee, tea and soda are a year-round threat to a bright, white smile, the staining effects of holiday foods like blueberry pie, cranberries and hot cocoa can stick around long after the season is over.

“The more porous the teeth are, the more staining that they get,” said Maddahi.

Maddahi recommends brushing your teeth or chewing gum immediately after eating. And when you drink, use… continue reading

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