Many people who have stains and discoloration on their teeth are very good at keeping up with their oral hygiene. They brush and floss regularly and still end up with stains. Unfortunately, no matter how much they do to keep their teeth clean, the foods they eat make maintaining a bright smile difficult. If this sounds familiar to you, don’t worry, there are things you can do to help keep your teeth healthy and white.

First, you need to be aware of what foods can cause stains. Acidic foods, like tomatoes, and citrus fruits (i.e. oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits) can do a number on your tooth enamel, which protects the tooth surface. When the enamel is worn down, your teeth become more susceptible to staining.

The best way to prevent that from happening is to avoid these foods altogether, however that’s not always easy. Instead, you can lessen the damage by limiting the amount of contact they have with your teeth. This means don’t swoosh the orange juice around in your mouth or suck on lemon slices. It is also a good idea to brush as soon as possible after eating these foods. If that isn’t possible, rinsing your mouth with water will help some.

For those of us who just can’t go without certain foods, thankfully there are ways to combat staining. Home teeth whitening is an option. Many over-the-counter products have been successful at removing stains caused by food. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes so be sure to research each one carefully before making a decision. You can get a very good home whitening kit at your local grocery store or drug store for less than $50.

Nobody wants to go without the foods that they love, and thanks to the variety of teeth whitening options that are available you don’t have to. You can still maintain that white, bright smile while enjoying your favorite foods.