Soy sauce, a beloved kitchen staple made from the ever-versatile soybean, is a go-to ingredient in countless global dishes—from stir-fried noodles and ramen to sushi and even modern twists on Italian bolognese. Its rich, savory flavor enhances everything it touches, making it a favorite for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.
But according to dental experts, that splash of flavor could come at a cost to your smile. Dr. Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, has issued a caution about common yet unexpected culprits of tooth discoloration—soy sauce being one of the biggest offenders. While drinks like coffee and cola are typically blamed for yellowing teeth, Dr.
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Bozic says certain dark-colored sauces and foods can be just as damaging, particularly when consumed regularly. “People tend to blame things like coffee and cola for tooth discoloration—and they’re not wrong,” Dr. Bozic told Express. “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.” The deep pigment of soy sauce, in particular, is a prime contributor to dental staining, especially because it’s often consumed with foods that don’t naturally help cleanse the teeth, such as white rice or noodles, reports the Express.
“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 explained. “The dark coloring can settle into the small cracks and grooves in your enamel, especially if your teeth aren’t freshly brushed.”
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And soy sauce isn’t the only flavorful ingredient to watch. Curry dishes, especially those that contain turmeric, are also high on the list of potential staining agents. “Turmeric, in particular, is one of the strongest natural dyes out there,” Dr. Bozic warned.
“Combine that with oil and spices, and it can stain your teeth with regular exposure.” The good news is that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. “You don’t have to avoid them completely,” he reassured.
“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.” In short, enjoy your soy sauce—but don’t forget to rinse and brush afterward if you want your smile to shine as brightly as your stir fry.
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