There are many reasons why your teeth can become discolored. Stains can develop on your enamel and deeper within the teeth's structure. Smoking cigarettes, drinking certain drinks, thinning tooth enamel, a poor diet, antibiotics, genetics, dry mouth, excessive fluoride intake and breathing through your mouth and having blocked nasal passages can cause stained teeth. Read on to learn more about how you can prevent stains.
Soda, juice, coffee and tea can cause stains. Drinking your favorite beverages using a straw can prevent discoloration because the liquid you drink won't get near the front of your teeth.
Eating green vegetables before you eat foods that can stain your teeth will form a protective film over your teeth, helping deter staining from foods.
Tobacco will stain your teeth regardless if you smoke or chew it. Using tobacco can cause mouth cancer and other types of cancers. If you need help quitting, speak with your primary care physician.
You should get a professional cleaning on your teeth twice a year. It'll keep your mouth healthy and give you a brighter smile. First, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth and look for cavities and other issues. You'll have a visit with the dentist afterward.
Brush your teeth after every meal you eat and after drinking soda, coffee, juice or tea. Don't brush your teeth using back and forth motions. Always brush in a circular motion.
If you don't have the opportunity to brush your teeth after every meal you eat or after drinking drinks that can stain your teeth, try to rinse your mouth.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, people who're reluctant to brush their teeth do better using an electric toothbrush rather than a manual one, and they're more likely to brush their teeth more often.
Flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing. If you have plaque on your teeth, it'll attract stains, and reducing plaque will reduce staining. Discoloration may develop around the surfaces of your teeth if you don't floss regularly.
If you know that you're clenching and grinding your teeth, it's important that you get treated for bruxism. The condition can cause staining, aging and discoloration of your teeth.
If you eat food or consume liquids that can stain your teeth, you should eat hard cheeses afterward to prevent it. Eating hard cheeses can help strengthen your teeth and help neutralize the acids that are causing stains.
You can still eat and drink liquids that can cause staining, but you should do so less frequently. Doing so will change the amount of tannins, pigments and acids that come into contact with your teeth.
There are many ways a dentist can help you. Getting professional dental cleanings regularly will not only help prevent and reduce stains, but a dentist can help you avoid cavities, avoid tooth loss, freshen your breath, boost your overall health and save you money. For these advantages and more, make an appointment with a dentist today.
