8 Habits That Will Stain Your Teeth – What to Know
September 19, 2019
We all want to have the cleanest and whitest teeth, don't we? We head for teeth-whitening treatments and use products to keep our teeth in good condition. Unfortunately, most of us are unaware of the detrimental effects some of our habits have on our teeth. The best way to keep your smile bright is to avoid staining them with different substances in the first place.
Here are seven habits you must avoid if you want to keep your teeth bright and white:
1. Teeth-Staining Beverages
Of all the drinks in the world, coffee is the most well-known cause of stained teeth. If you drink it regularly and do not rinse your mouth right after, dark pigments can stick to the surface of your teeth. These pigments—chromogens—will cause your teeth to darken over time.
2. Acidic Beverages
If you're drinking white wine because you're afraid that red wine will stain your teeth, think again. Acid from some wines can weaken the enamel of your teeth, making them more prone to staining. Carbonated soft drinks also contain acid as well as pigments that will stain your teeth.
To keep your teeth in good shape while enjoying these indulgences, drink in moderation. Otherwise, stop consuming these beverages altogether.
3. Staining Foods
Just like how drinks can stain your teeth, food can too. Foods that are rich in colour like berries, beetroots, lollipops, and dishes with rich sauces can stain. Lightly coloured food items won't stain your teeth as much.
4. Holding Food and Drinks in Your Mouth
The longer the food or drink sits in your mouth, the higher the chances your teeth will be left stained. Your enamel may also be weakened as a result, so avoid keeping food and beverages in your mouth longer than necessary. Consider using straws when drinking beverages as this will help reduce the amount of time the liquid comes into contact with your teeth.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking enough water is essential to keep your body well hydrated. It also helps clean away any stains that are left on your teeth. If you live in a place where water has fluoride added to it, you gain the benefit of protecting your teeth from decay.
6. Smoking
There are so many health reasons as well as aesthetic reasons to quit smoking. Whether it is chewed or smoked, tobacco will leave stains on your teeth. Additionally, smoking is one of the major causes of oral health issues, which isn’t very good if you're looking for a bright smile. If you smoke, it’s time to quit so that your body can start its recovery process.
7. Not Brushing or Flossing your Teeth
Dental plaque on your teeth retain stains too well, so an excellent oral hygiene routine will reduce plaque buildup. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste along with flossing once a day. Of course, eating a balanced diet without sugar helps keep your teeth and gums healthy as well.
8. Not Visiting Your Dentist
Regular check-ups are vital to make sure that your teeth are in good shape. Your dentist will check your gums and teeth, and look for any signs of problems as well as give you advice on how you can keep your oral health in tip-top condition.
At DAAS Dentistry, we provide dental services for everyone. We have caring and experienced professional staff who are highly trained to ensure that you have a pleasant visit. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
Dr. Ehab Daas
Meet your doctor
Dr. Ehab is a passionate dentist with 15 years of dental experience. He received his D.D.S in 1997, and has practiced dentistry for 6 years since then. Immediately after that, Dr. Da'as moved to Paris to get his Orthodontics and Prosthodontic diploma's in which he specialized in fixed bridges and crowns. He graduated from France with remarkable achievements in 2005, and went on to work for 9 years, focusing on difficult orthodontics cases and satisfying his ortho patients. Dr. Ehab moved to Canada in 2014 to continue his career, where he is proud and extremely honoured to provide his patients with the highest quality service.
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