A picture perfect smile of pearly whites – it’s the easiest way to increase self-confidence, make a great impression, and even improve prospects on the job! Unfortunately, keeping your canines white and bright can be difficult, as there are a nearly endless array of factors that can contribute to yellowed, stained, or discolored teeth. Some of these factors are unavoidable, such as genetics and age. However many of the causes of stained teeth are preventable and correctable. Simple adjustments to your daily habits and routines can facilitate a healthier smile and whiter, brighter teeth.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your teeth stain-free so your smile can shine at its most brilliant best.
1. Brush and rinse after ingesting staining foods and drinks
Certain foods and drinks are known for contributing to the discoloration of your teeth. Foods such as coffee, soda (particularly dark colas), red and white wine, grape juice, blueberries, beets, soy sauce, and tomatoes are just a few of the most common culprits that contribute to stains on the teeth, but the list is long. In general, anything that can stain your clothes or hands is also likely to stain your teeth. To avoid the unwanted dyeing effects of these substances, brush and/or rinse after ingestion.
2. Quit smoking
As if there weren’t enough reasons not to smoke, you can add yellowed and stained teeth to the list as well. Use of tobacco, whether it’s in the form of cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, is one of the biggest contributors to stains on the teeth. Seek help from your doctor on how to quit, not only for your overall health but also for the sake of your smile.
3. Drink through a straw
Sounds a little strange, but drinking through a straw is a simple way to avoid putting drinks like coffee, tea, or cola in direct contact with your teeth. By using a straw, these liquids will not affect the front visible surfaces of your teeth and won’t stain them as a result.
4. Explore teeth whitening procedures
Sometimes, no matter what you do, your teeth inevitably develop discoloration and stains. That’s why teeth whitening practices have become so popular today. There are at-home kits available at your local drugstore that are inexpensive, effective, quick, and simple. There are also professional whitening procedures that facilitate greater results and combat more extensive staining. There are also numerous whitening toothpastes, mouth rinses, and other products that claim to improve the color of your smile. While all of these may not be effective, the majority of them do help at varying levels and degrees. For more information, talk to your dentist about which practice would suit you and your smile.
