The teeth whitening industry is a 3.2 billion dollar global industry. We are constantly seeking the newest and best treatments to get that dazzling white smile. What if we are looking at the process the wrong way though?
It seems backward to handle the issue of stained teeth after they are already stained, right? Instead, we should be looking at how to prevent teeth stains before they ever start. Not sure how to do it? Well, don’t worry; we have got you covered with this simple guide for keeping your teeth pearly white.
Let’s take a look!
Stained Teeth: Why Your Smile Matters
Your smile affects many aspects of your life. From dating to your career, what your grin looks like matters to those around you. In fact, one study showed that people were 58% more likely to be hired for a job if they had a whiter smile. More often than not, those with a whiter smile have better dental health overall.
Stained teeth from things like coffee drinking and smoking can have lasting effects on your teeth’ enamel. That is why it is so crucial for you to get out ahead of the damage. Let’s take a look at some of the culprits that can cause teeth stains.
Coffee/Tea
Everyone knows that coffee stains teeth; however, you might not know why. Coffee contains tannins, which are a type of polyphenol. The compounds stick to the teeth, which causes discoloration even after only one cup. The same is true for tea.
Wine
Like coffee and tea, Wine also contains tannins, but that is not the only reason the beverage stains your teeth. The sulfites in the wine you drink can also hurt the enamel of your teeth. Long-term drinking can weaken the enamel and make it harder for you to remove stains.
Smoking
Smoke contains tar and nicotine, and your teeth contain small pores like your skin. This is a bad combo for maintaining healthy and white teeth. As you smoke, the tar leeches into the pores causing lasting stains and damage.
Food
Foods can be a little tricky when it comes to teeth stains. Foods like beets and tomatoes are full of vitamins and nutrients; however, they also contain compounds that stain your teeth. Other foods like citrus can wear down your enamel, which makes your teeth more susceptible to staining.
What Can You Do to Prevent Stains
So, let’s be honest, it is unlikely that you will be able to 100% avoid these teeth-staining foods and beverages. With that being said, some measures can be taken to mitigate staining. Let’s explore what your options are for managing stains.
Manage Your Beverages
If you cannot say no to your morning cup of joe, you can do some things to help. Try drinking your coffee and tea from a straw to reduce the amount of the beverage that hits your teeth. As for wine, try to limit the amount you drink and try drinking wine with lower sulfites.
Keep in mind that other beverages, such as juice and soda, can also cause staining, so limit the amount that you drink or cut them out entirely. The sugars in those beverages can cause more than just staining; they can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.
Choose Foods Wisely
As we said, many healthy foods can cause discoloration of the teeth, so you do not necessarily want to cut those foods out of your diet. Instead, make sure that you have access to your toothbrush or a mouth rinse after each meal. Additionally, there are some foods you can eat alongside teeth-staining foods that will deter staining.
Try eating a dark leafy green salad before eating a potential teeth-staining dish, as the salad will create a protective layer on your teeth. Also, cheese and dairy can help neutralize acids in foods that could cause damage to the enamel and lead to staining.
Cut Out Tobacco
This preventative tip is crucial to your overall health as well as your dental health. Smoking is known to cause cancer, heart disease, mouth/gum disease, and more. Teeth staining from smoking is the least of your worries, so if you are a current smoker do your best to find help to stop.
Brush, Floss, and Rinse
You must brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily. Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse can help manage bacteria build-up in the mouth, leading to issues that cause staining. Try keeping a portable toothbrush with you in your purse or car for brushing up after lunches or on the go.
Starting From Scratch
Now that you know some measures you can take to prevent teeth staining, you can get started on your pearly white smile. With that being said, you might need a little help getting your smile back to square one. Certain options are better than others for whitening your teeth.
Here are some options:
- Professional teeth whitening services
- At-home teeth whitening kits
- Whitening toothpaste
When you are trying to get a fresh start with your smile, these are the most readily available options for you. However, you should be mindful of at-home remedies as some of them could contain harmful ingredients to your teeth. The same goes for whitening toothpaste as many brands have coarse abrasives that can damage enamel.
If you would like to whiten your smile, the best course of action is to work with a professional dentist. They will be able to safely and effectively treat your smile and get it to the perfect pearly shade you desire.
Get the Smile You Deserve
Stained teeth can hinder your confidence and your health. These measures will help you maintain your pearly whites, but if you need a fresh start, our team is here to help! Visit our site today to learn more about how we can get your mouth healthy and your smile sparkling today!
[wp_social_sharing]