Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth regularly is indeed the main culprit behind poor oral health and the reason why those pearly whites are not looking quite as white anymore.
However, what some people don’t realize is that certain foods and drinks can play a role in the discoloration of teeth. Some of these items are highlighted below.
Tea and coffee
Both tea and coffee contain tannins which are the reason why these morning brews can leave your teeth with a nasty yellow tinge. Some experts claim that adding more milk to these tannin-heavy drinks can help to reduce the level of staining over time.
Curry
Curry is full of delicious spices that are responsible for its intense flavor. Unfortunately, some of these spices can also leave behind telltale signs on your teeth.
Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants and are incredible for your health. They are also packed with Vitamin C which helps to ward off colds and flu but eat too many of them and your smile will pay the price.
Soda
Not only is soda full of sugar and acid that will eat away at your teeth and result in decay over time, but it is also often made with powerful food coloring which will inevitably stain your teeth too.
Beetroot
Beetroot is another healthy food that can have a detrimental effect on your smile. The key is to eat it in moderation and to rinse your mouth out with water when you’re done.
What to do about stains on teeth
If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, the first thing that you should do is visit a cosmetic dentist for more information regarding teeth whitening procedures and what options are available to you. However, it is also essential that you make some lifestyle changes too, to prevent the unsightly stains for returning any time shortly.
Here are some tips:
- If you know what the culprit is behind the stains on your teeth, do your best to limit your intake of that food or drink. For example, replace your tea with a cup of hot water and lemon. The lemon will also assist in lifting any residual stains. If you drink lots of red wine, switch to white.
- Chew sugar-free gum. By chewing gum, your salivary glands will be stimulated to release more saliva. The saliva can assist in preventing stains on the teeth from penetrating beyond the surface.
- Use a (reusable) straw when drinking any beverages that could possibly leave stains behind, such as soda or fruit juice.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, being especially diligent about brushing thoroughly before bedtime.
- Visit your dentist once every year for a good clean and a check-up.
- Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist and to rinse away any discoloration.
Here’s to optimized oral health and a gleaming grin that is 100% free from stains.
