We know that you want to indulge sometimes and not constantly worry about staining your teeth. But, as we age, it’s inevitable that they gradually become yellower than we’d like. Some discoloring agents are impossible to avoid – coffee and tea are widely known to cause discoloration. But good luck going about your day without that cup (or several cups) of morning brew.

Additionally, acidic but otherwise healthy treats, such as berries and tomato-based foods, can cause discoloration. And spices with intensely hued pigments can also rob your teeth of their natural whiteness.

Sugary consumables, such as sodas and candy, can also contribute to the de-whitening process. Not only do acids wear away at your teeth’ luminescent enamel, the sugar content also feeds dental bacteria. And these well-fed bacteria metabolize sugars into acids of their own, which contribute to the ongoing cycle of enamel erosion. Other than food choices, certain medications and lifestyle factors, including tobacco use, can cause an unseemly yellowing.