London, March 6 (IANS): Consuming green vegetables is the best way to stay healthy and the current trend for green smoothies can be called a great help too, but it could dull your smile as it stains teeth.

The colour in foods comes from chromogens, highly pigmented molecules which easily adhere to tooth enamel, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The staining action is increased if food high in chromogens are combined with tannins, found in citrus foods and legumes as well as tea and coffee, as tannins boost chromogens’ ability to stick to the enamel.

However, you don’t have to sacrifice your morning green boost to keep your teeth gleaming. One just needs to keep in mind a few steps to take care of teeth soon after having green smoothies.

* To further prevent staining, drink your smoothie through a straw, minimising contact with teeth.

* Don’t mix chromogens and tannins, so omit citrus fruit from your smoothie mix.

* Brush three times daily as it can help in keeping the shine of teeth intact.