How to Prevent Teeth Staining and Discolouration
If you currently have pearly whites, you might be looking for ways to protect the tooth enamel from staining and discolouration. While some cases of yellowing of the teeth occurs due to the natural aging process, other things actually speed up the process and make staining more noticeable. Here are some tips for preventing teeth staining and discolouration for as long as possible.
Be Careful What You Drink
Start by knowing what to drink and not to drink on a regular basis. Dark-coloured drinks are often the cause of staining of the teeth, particularly if your front teeth are showing more staining than the other teeth. Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine in particular cause discolouration. You should also avoid drinks that have a lot of sugar or a high level of acid, including juice, sports drinks, and soft drinks. This doesn't mean you can never have these beverages, but reduce the amount, and always use a straw when drinking them. The straw allows the liquid to go straight to the back of your mouth without constantly sitting on your front teeth.
Know What Foods to Avoid
Not only are some drinks the cause of staining, but foods you eat can also be the culprit. Like drinks, be careful when eating certain foods that contain bright or dark colours. Not all brightly-coloured foods will cause staining, but many times berries like raspberries and blueberries can cause staining when eaten in large quantities. You should also be careful about dark condiments and sauces, particularly using a lot of soy sauce and ketchup to flavour your foods. Be careful about sugar-laden sweets that have bright colours, such as frozen treats and candy.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water is good for you on many levels, including hydration and protecting your teeth. By drinking water frequently throughout the day, you rinse away the sugar, acid, and traces of the beverages and foods you are eating. If you want to eat a handful of berries, make sure you rinse off the remnants of those berries with plenty of water. Drink water after any foods or drinks that could potentially cause staining or discolouration of your teeth.
Brush and Floss Daily
Proper dental hygiene is essential not just for oral health purposes, but for the look of your teeth as well. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day to reduce bacteria and get rid of remaining food debris or acid that could discolour your teeth. Use an antibacterial mouthwash as well. Visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional cleaning. Tooth decay can quickly discolour your teeth, causing a yellow or gray colour.
If you do need help with discolouration, see a dentist for teeth whitening treatment.
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