People love white teeth! Many people simply feel they look happier and healthier with white teeth.
It’s also been proven that people who have white teeth smile more often. Thus, they’re viewed as happier, healthier, and friendlier too!
Consequently, making and keeping teeth white is a big focus for dental professionals and patients alike.
Of course, today, there are many ways to whiten the teeth quickly, fairly easily, and rather inexpensively.
Yet, one of the best strategies to keep your teeth white teeth is preventing stains – avoiding things that stain the teeth and cause discoloration – in the first place.
Here are some things that stain the teeth and tips for how to protect your white teeth from these things:
Red Sauces
You probably already know – or realize – that red things, specifically red sauces, are likely to stain the teeth over time. Specifically, tomato-based sauces that are acidic are big culprits. A really cool tip for preventing tooth staining from these things is to eat some dark green vegetables first. This creates a film on the teeth that protects them from discoloration. This is easier than it sounds because a salad with a spring mix (often served or available at many Italian restaurants) will likely do it, or an appetizer served with or on spinach.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a pretty healthy choice as a salad dressing but it essentially, dyes the teeth. It also sticks to the teeth, giving it even more of an opportunity to create staining. The good news though, is that the lettuce helps move the vinegar off the teeth quicker but brushing as soon as possible is the best idea.
Curry
Curry is a delightful flavor and used in many different Indian dishes. However, it has immense density and intensity of color that stains teeth very easily. In fact, it stains almost anything it contacts for any length of time. Thus, if you eat curry, try to follow it with fruit—such as an apple, also sometimes called “nature’s toothbrush.” Eating celery with – or after – curry is helpful too!
Berries
It’s surely no surprise that berries are a popular cause of tooth staining. Like curry, berries stain everything and teeth are no exception. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter whether you are eating or drinking your berries! Therefore, it’s super critical to cleanse berries from your mouth quickly after consumption. First and foremost, swish water around in the mouth super-fast and then follow that with some milk or cheese to neutralize the berry acid. Then, brush as soon as you can.
Beverages
Darker beverages – such as tea, coffee, and wine – stain teeth easily, as well. Sports drinks can damage tooth enamel and cause some staining too. Even white wine – which is more acidic than red – discolors teeth. Drinking water after these beverages helps but as with almost all of the above, brushing SOON after – as soon as you can – is the best option.
Nicotine
Perhaps one of the biggest offenders in tooth staining, is nicotine. This is true whether it’s smoking or using smokeless tobacco. With this culprit, the best advice is just don’t do it. And if you do currently do either, quit.
Of course, it’s going to be impossible to completely avoid things that stain the teeth. However, if you want white teeth, it’s worth the effort to try and follow the tips above to make tooth discoloration less likely. Yet, if you do find yourself with staining, there are many things we here at Cigno Famiy Dental can do to help you get the white smile you desire.