When it comes to your teeth, prevention is better than cure. The best way to keep your smile looking bright is to avoid staining substances. Importantly, if you have recently undergone teeth whitening or are thinking about seeking it in the future, avoiding stains can help you get the most out of your treatment.
Knowing what causes yellow teeth and other types of discolouration is the first step to a brighter and whiter smile. So, without further ado, here are habits to avoid that can stain your teeth:
- Drinking coffee, red wine, and other teeth-staining drinks
Coffee is a well-known cause for stained teeth. If you are a regular coffee drinker, and don’t rinse your mouth after drinking it, dark pigments called chromogens in coffee can stick to the surface of your teeth, causing them to stain over time. Coffee isn’t the only culprit; red wine is another beverage that is likely to stain your pearly whites. We recommend sipping water while enjoying your glass of red to reduce the staining effect.
Like coffee, black tea is also likely to cause staining. We recommend adding milk to your tea or coffee to help reduce this effect. An added bonus is that milk is an excellent source of calcium which helps to promote good dental health.
Acidic beverages can also cause teeth discolouration, such as carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks. These have high quantities of acid, sugar, and pigments, and should be avoided altogether, or only drink them in moderation.
- Eating foods that stain
Just like drinks, certain foods are also likely to stain your teeth too. Consuming foods such as brightly colours berries, beetroot, lollies, and meals with rich coloured sauces (such as curry sauces, tomato-based sources, and soy sauce) can cause stains on your teeth. Sauces that are light and creamy are less likely to cause teeth discolouration. Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after consuming these foods.
- Not drinking enough water
Drinking the recommended amount of water per day is important for hydration, but can also help to remove stains by rinsing away substances left on your teeth. In Australia, our water is fluoridated, which can help to protect your teeth against decay.
- Smoking
There are many health related reasons to quit smoking, however, tobacco is also a major cause of teeth stains. Besides staining, smoking also poses great risk for many oral health problems, such as gum disease, and oral cancer. The sooner you can quit, the sooner your body can begin to recover.
- Not brushing and flossing your teeth
Dental plaque that forms on the tooth surface can cause stains. Good oral hygiene can help to reduce the build-up of plaque. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and use dental floss at least once a day to remove plaque and maintain a bright, healthy smile.
- Not visiting the dentist
Booking in regular visits to your dentist is an important step to maintain good oral care. Your dentist can check your teeth and gums for early signs of problems, and can provide advice about how to keep your teeth healthy.
At Soothing Care Dental, the dentist Five Dock locals trust, we recommend that our patients come see us every six months. Having regular check-ups and cleanings are a great way to stay on track of your own, or your child’s oral health. We are always available to answer any questions, give us a call today, and book a consultation.
