It’s not a myth that dark foods and drinks stain your teeth. Repeat offenders including red wine and coffee are often pushed into the forefront as the poster products for dull, discoloured teeth. And the detrimental effects of smoking to not only your teeth but overall health are widely discussed by everyone from doctors to politicians.
But did you know that there are lots of unsuspecting foods that can stain your teeth? The healthy blueberries you had with your breakfast and the balsamic dressing you drizzled over your salad can also lead to a discoloured smile, as well as many more.
What can you do to stop your teeth becoming discoloured?
1. Rinse Your Mouth
When you are on the go it is difficult to brush your teeth straight after consuming teeth-staining foods. One way to overcome this is to rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible after consuming such food and drinks as coffee and cola. Rinsing out your mouth will help remove the film that sits on your teeth and stains them.
2. Chew Gum
Chewing sugarless gum can help remove food particles from in between your teeth. It is important to check your gum is sugarless or it can be counterproductive. Gum should also never be used as a replacement for brushing – it is simply a method to adopt if brushing is not possible.
3. Use a Straw
Using a straw when drinking sugary drinks will help limit the amount of time they are in contact with your teeth which will help to reduce staining. Wherever possible a straw should be used to consume drinks including soft beverages, sports drinks and fruit juices.
4. Snack on Crunchy Foods
“An apple a day keeps the dentist away.” Eating crunchy food such as apples and carrots can help prevent tartar and plaque from building on your teeth. Chewing on these snacks after a meal can help you prevent staining and will leave your teeth feeling fresher and cleaner.
5. Don’t Brush Too Hard
A lot of people believe that the harder they brush their teeth the better the clean they are giving them. This is in fact not true as brushing your teeth too hard can damage gums and wear away enamel. Make sure when you brushing your teeth that you are giving your teeth a thorough, gentle brushing and that you are flossing on a regular basis.
The above teeth whitening tips should not be used as a replacement for daily brushing and flossing. They should be considered as stain prevention mechanisms that can be adapted into your daily routine. For more advice on looking after your teeth or for more permanent teeth whitening techniques you can contact Number 18 Dental. Our team will be happy to advise you.
