There’s nothing quite like an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine – but the popular tipple could be quietly ruining your smile, experts have warned.
While coffee and red wine are often blamed for staining your teeth, the iconic orange cocktail can also cause discolouration over time.
Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, said its combination of bright pigments, carbonisation and acidity means it can cling to tooth enamel and trigger stains.
Other drinks to be wary of include berry smoothies and Guinness, he warned.
‘Most people immediately think of coffee or red wine as the main culprits of stained teeth, but colourful cocktails like an Aperol Spritz can also contribute to discolouration due to their bright pigmentation,’ he said.
‘The bright orange pigments in an Aperol Spritz can cling to the enamel of your teeth.
‘Over time, this can build up and leave teeth looking yellow or dull, particularly if the drink is consumed regularly.
‘The carbonisation and acidity in drinks like Aperol can also temporarily soften enamel, which may make it easier for pigments to attach to the surface of teeth. That’s why they can sometimes cause staining over time.’
When it comes to smoothies, Mr Budd said that blueberries, blackberries and cherries contain powerful natural pigments that can lead to teeth discolouration.
Meanwhile the deep pigments and tannins found in Guinness and dark stouts can also cling to enamel and gradually cause staining.
Other drinks to be wary of include coffee – a well-known culprit due to compounds that stick to the teeth.
Black tea often stains teeth even more than coffee because of its high tannin content.
The strong pigments in red wine, along with its acidity, also make it a particularly staining drink.
Meanwhile cola and dark fizzy drinks contain lots of artificial colouring and acids which can contribute to yellowing.
Foods to try and avoid – if you want to maintain your pearly whites – include tomato-based sauces, balsamic vinegar and curry and turmeric-heavy dishes, Mr Budd explained.
These can all dull enamel over time, turning your teeth an unwanted shade.
For those who don’t want to give up their Aperol, or miss out on the next curry night, Mr Budd said there are simple steps that people can take to prevent excessive staining.
‘Simple habits can help avoid or reduce the staining, like drinking water after bright, carbonated drinks,’ he said.
He also recommends maintaining a good brushing routine with a whitening fluoride toothpaste and keeping up with regular dental check-ups.
However, if stains have already developed, specific stain removal products may help tackle more stubborn discolouration.
Other common tips for helping prevent stains include drinking through a straw and regular flossing.
Chewing gum can also help, as it increases salivary flow which can help neutralise and wash away any acid from the teeth.
Dr Mervyn Druian, dentist and founder of the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, previously discussed the simple tweaks people can make to help maintain their smile.
While it may seem sensible to wait until after breakfast to brush your teeth, he says it isn’t.
‘It’s the worst thing you can do. Eating food causes a build-up of acid in the mouth. And if you drink orange or grapefruit juice, it’s even worse,’ he explained.
The acid causes a temporary softening of the tooth enamel – and brushing when enamel is soft can erode it.
Dr Druian says: ‘I always recommend brushing teeth as soon as you wake up, and not again until you’re about to go to bed.
‘Some people start their day with lemon and hot water, then brush their teeth straight afterwards, which makes the teeth very soft. And this can be disastrous, causing teeth to become ultra-sensitive, thin and brittle.’
