Habits That Can Stain Teeth – A Guide by Universal Smiles Dental

Keeping a radiant and white smile is usually a top priority for most individuals. However, some habits that can stain teeth can over time dull your smile. Leaving you with discolored or stained teeth. At Universal Smiles Dental, we know that educating our patients on different lifestyle choices can help them achieve optimal oral health. Therefore, if you are looking for a team of experts to bring back your bright smile. We are here to help you through the journey.

Common Habits That Can Stain Teeth

Learning about the habits that can stain teeth is necessary for maintaining a vibrant smile. Moreover, many of our daily life practices that are usually ignored become the cause for dental discoloration. Let’s talk about some of the most common habits that lead to teeth staining:

Drinking Coffee and Tea

Both coffee and tea have a substance known as tannin. These are natural elements that lead to teeth discoloration. Over years, regular use of these hot drinks will cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth. To decrease this staining, you can drink these beverages using a straw or adding milk to lighten the color. Also avoid over consumption and brush your teeth 30 to 45 minutes after having them.

Additionally, green tea, although considered healthier, also stains teeth due to its tannin content. Therefore, you can opt for herbal teas that do not have strong pigments.

Smoking and Tobacco Consumption

Tobacco containing products, whether smoked or chewed, have nicotine and tar. These substances form stains that go deep into the enamel, making it difficult to remove. If you stop smoking, it will not only improve your oral health but also benefit your overall wellbeing. Moreover, smoking also increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer as well as lung cancer. Making it one of the most harmful habits that can stain teeth and damage health.

Red Wine

Red wine is another common factor that causes discoloration of teeth. Its acidic nature and dark pigments stick to the tooth enamel, resulting in damage to the natural color. Washing and rinsing your mouth with water after having red wine will help reduce the chances of staining. Additionally, you can try pairing red wine with cheese. This is to help neutralize some of its acidity and protect your oral health.

Sugary and Acidic Food Items

Sugar containing acidic diet, such as candy and citrus fruits, wears off the enamel. Making your teeth more exposed to staining. Moreover, the combination of sugar and acid increases the chances of plaque buildup, further causing discoloration. Choosing healthier snacks like crunchy vegetables will help clean your teeth and remove plaque buildup naturally. Furthermore, adding calcium-rich foods like cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens will also strengthen your enamel and decrease the chance of stains.

Not Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene

Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque and tartar to build up. This results in the staining of teeth. Therefore, proper oral hygiene is the most important factor for preventing discoloration.

Remember to brush your teeth twice a day. Also an extra time if you have consumed coffee, tea or any sugary or acidic food. You can also make use of an antibacterial mouthwash to help remove bacteria.

Medicines

Some medicines, such as tetracycline which is an antibiotic, can cause tooth discoloration. This is true if it is consumed during childhood when teeth are still in the developing stage. However, if you are concerned about medication related staining, consult your dentist in Mill Park for advice. Moreover, some antihistamines, antipsychotics as well as blood pressure medicines also cause tooth discoloration. Therefore, it’s important to discuss all side effects with your doctor.

How to Prevent Teeth Staining

Preventing tooth discoloration is possible with some simple and easy lifestyle changes. These include brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Moreover you can also make short term use of whitening toothpaste that is recommended by your dentist in Wallan. Whitening toothpaste will help maintain a radiant smile. Drinking water after having tea, coffee or red wine will further help prevent enamel stains. Furthermore, limiting the intake of sugary and acidic foods and using a straw for any dark colored beverages can also decrease the risk of staining.

Try to quit smoking and tobacco use for optimal oral health. Additionally, have a balanced diet containing fruits and vegetables. Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production as an effective way to protect

your teeth. This is true since saliva helps wash away bacteria. Also make use of a tongue scraper in order to remove tongue buildup that causes staining.

Alternatively, if your teeth have already been stained. Professional whitening treatments are the only way you can restore their natural brightness. At Universal Smiles Dental, we offer the latest teeth whitening procedures. This includes in-office treatments for quick results and take-home tips and advice for long lasting results. Moreover, our treatment plans are made to fit your dental needs and overall health history. We also offer solutions to strengthen your teeth after whitening, and prevent any future discoloration. Professional teeth whitening provides effective, safe, and long-term results removing both surface and deep stains. This is true compared to over-the-counter products that only offer short term relief.

Conclusion

Knowing about the habits that can stain teeth is important for keeping a healthy, vibrant smile. Therefore, if you are looking for a professional team, Universal Smiles Dental is here to help you with your oral health journey. Moreover, by making small changes to your daily life and getting expert care, you can enjoy a radiant and confident smile. Contact Universal Smiles Dental today to book your appointment and take the first step towards a healthier and bright smile.