Certain foods linked to tooth stains

Britons who wish to keep their teeth free from stains should consider avoiding certain foods, an expert has claimed.

Karen Coates, an adviser at the British Dental Health Foundation, said that people should avoid sugary foods, hard sweets and drinks such as cola.

'Eating or drinking any highly coloured foods or drinks, such as curries, red wine, tea or coffee, can stain the teeth too,' she advised.

Ms Coates also urged people to avoid smoking, as this can lead to stained teeth as well as being bad for overall health.

The advice came after experts at Wake Forest Baptist Health and the American Dental Hygienists Association warned that while bleaching is effective at whitening teeth, it can cause short-term side-effects, including sensitivity.

Commenting on the use of tooth whitening systems, Ms Coates said that people should only ever get this done by dental professionals.

Those who choose to use a home kit should ensure it bears the British Dental Health Foundation's approved logo, as this confirms that the product does not contain harmful acids and abrasives.