Teeth staining can mar the appeal of your smile and self-confidence and lead to teeth loss if not addressed. The staining occurs when the tooth enamel becomes discolored due to food, drinks, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Preventing teeth staining is essential for maintaining a bright, healthy smile and oral health.
Keep reading to learn the causes of teeth stains and tips for preventing them to maintain a radiant smile and keep your teeth looking their best.
Types of Teeth Stains
These include the following:
Extrinsic Stains
These are the most common stains. And occur when food like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and other external elements interact with your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to prevent extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic Stains
These are less common but are difficult to remove. Intrinsic stains are difficult to remove because they come from within your teeth. They occur due to systemic origins, genetics, aging, and some medications, which cause permanent discoloration in your enamel.
Age-Related Stains
They’re common among older adults but can also affect people who don’t care for their teeth or practice good oral health hygiene.
Tips for Preventing Teeth Stains
Brushing and Floss Regularly
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes and flossing once daily. Brushing removes plaque and food particles from your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque that is stuck between your teeth.
Brush in small circles, starting on one side of the mouth and working towards the other. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as it damages your gums and removes the enamel on your teeth. Use a dental pick or floss threader to reach areas between the teeth where food often gets stuck.
Rinse thoroughly after brushing to remove traces of toothpaste. Practicing this as recommended will prevent teeth staining.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
According to the dean of dentistry at Toronto University, Dr. Tam, whitening products are generally safe. Use them as a dentist recommends to avoid the abrasives wearing off the enamel.
The abrasives in whitening toothpaste are different than those found in regular toothpaste and are less likely to damage your teeth when used as directed. The abrasives in these products are low-concentrated, making them safe and effective for removing surface stains from your teeth.
Avoid Food and Drinks That Stain Teeth
Here are some common stain-causing foods and drinks that you should reduce to keep your pearly white:
- Coffee, tea, cola, and other carbonated beverages: These are known for their ability to stain teeth over time. The longer you expose your teeth to these products, the more they get stained. To prevent this, limit yourself to one cup per day or less.
- Red wine: It contains tannin, which causes discoloration. To limit exposure to this ingredient, rinse your mouth with water after drinking wine. It helps reduce teeth staining by tannin.
- Darkly colored foods: Fruit juices and dark berries contain natural pigments that can stain teeth. Limit consumption so they don’t become a major source of tooth stains over time.
- Citrus fruits contain ascorbic acid, which reacts with iron found in saliva and creates a yellowish stain on your teeth after eating or drinking citrus products.
Use a Straw
Using a straw is one of the best ways to prevent teeth staining. When you drink through a straw, your teeth don’t come in contact with the liquid, reducing its effects on your teeth.
Rinse Your Mouth After Eating or Drinking
The most basic way to prevent teeth staining is by rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking. It removes food particles or bacteria that could cause discoloration or decay. It also helps to dilute acids so they don’t wear away at your enamel.
Avoid Tobacco Use
Tobacco products contain high levels of nicotine, a chemical that makes the gums and tongue darker and yellowish. Approximately 84% of smokers have stained teeth. Nicotine also destroys the protective layer of your teeth, making them vulnerable to staining.
Research shows the method of successfully quitting smoking is stopping at once. Your dentist can also offer tips on how to quit and provide you with information on support groups in your area.
Seek Professional Whitening Services
While there are many different methods for preventing teeth staining, seeking professional whitening services is the best option. Professional whitening services are effective because they use professional-grade products and techniques.
A dentist or dental hygienist can use several methods to whiten teeth, including lasers and chemical agents to remove stains from the teeth. They also recommend a home care regimen tailored to your specific needs and habits to help you maintain the results of their work.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental cleanings keep your teeth healthy and prevent stains from forming. It’s recommended that you visit the dentist every six months. Your dentist will check for oral health issues causing staining.
The Don’ts of Stain Prevention
Avoid unproven techniques, including:
Activated Charcoal
It’s a common stain removal approach, but no scientific proof exists of its efficacy in preventing teeth staining. Also, it’s abrasive and can cause damage to the enamel, promoting tooth decay. Moreover, it can remove the protective layer, making teeth more vulnerable to stains in the future.
Essential Oils and Spices
No scientific evidence supports using essential oils or spices for teeth whitening or stain removal. Also, they can irritate the soft tissue in the mouth and cause inflammation.
Try These Simple Practices for A Brighter Smile
Preventing teeth staining is achievable by incorporating these simple habits:
- Regular dental check-ups
- Proper oral hygiene
- Using whitening products
- Mindful consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages
Take control of your oral health and maintain a radiant smile by seeking professional dental advice. Your dentist knows best when it comes to preventing and removing teeth stains. Refrain from relying on unproven methods. Book an appointment with a dentist today and embark on the journey to keep your pearly whites white.
