1 week Ago By Nicola Roy
Soy sauce is one of the most popular condiments there is. Made from the versatile soy bean - which is also used to make milk and tofu - the sauce adds a delicious salty flavour to so many different dishes . From stir fry and ramen to sushi and even bolognese, there's really no limits to what you can do with a good old bottle of soy sauce.
However, experts have warned that you should always do one important task after eating it, in order to avoid a common problem - stained teeth. Dr Andrej Bozic, oral surgeon at Dentum, has lifted the lid on some foods which are the biggest culprits, and soy sauce is one of them. He has highlighted some lesser-known culprits that are hiding in healthy meals and sauces that may be damaging your smile more than you realise.
"People tend to blame things like coffee and cola for tooth discolouration - and they’re not wrong," he said. "But there are other foods that catch people off guard. They might seem harmless, even good for you, but over time they can leave noticeable stains if you're not careful.
" Soy sauce, with its distinctive dark colour, could be one of the reasons why your teeth aren't looking as bright as they could. "Soy sauce is very dark and salty, and because it’s often eaten with white rice or noodles, there’s nothing in the meal that really ‘cleans’ the teeth as you eat," Dr Bozic said. "The dark colouring can settle into the small cracks and grooves in your enamel, especially if your teeth aren’t freshly brushed.
" He has advised rinsing your mouthh out with water after eating, and being mindful of how frequently you consume highly pigmented sauces like soy. Similarly, curry - especially if it contains turmeric - can be disastrous for your teeth as it can cause yellowing over time. Dr Bozic said: "Turmeric, in particular, is one of the strongest natural dyes out there.
Combine that with oil and spices, and it can stain your teeth with regular exposure." But the good news is that none of these foods need to be banned from your diet. "You don’t have to avoid them completely," said Dr Bozic.
"But if you’re eating them regularly, simple steps like drinking water after meals, chewing sugar-free gum, and brushing properly twice a day can make a big difference in keeping your teeth looking their best.".
