If you’re like most people, you probably want your teeth to be as white and sparkling as possible. After all, stained teeth can be unsightly and make you feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get rid of those stains and achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted. But first, look at some of the most common reasons for stained teeth.
Drinking Certain Beverages
Certain beverages are notorious for staining teeth. The main reason behind this is the dark pigments in these drinks. For example, red wine contains flavonoids that can stain teeth over time. The same is true for tea and coffee, containing tannins that discolor tooth enamel. Although you may love your morning cup of joe or sips of merlot with dinner, try to cut down on the amount you drink.
Using a straw for drinking these beverages can avoid direct contact with your teeth. You should also brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming them. As for tea, choose varieties that are less likely to stain teeth, such as green tea or white tea.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. Not only does it cause stains, but it also leads to tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for oral health. Additionally, try these options if you want to quit smoking.
Nicotine Replacement
One of the best ways to reduce or quit smoking is nicotine replacement. These products include gum and lozenges that you can use to manage withdrawal symptoms without tobacco use.
Hypnosis
If you’re looking for something a little more unconventional, hypnosis may be able to help. A hypnotist can enter your subconscious mind and reprogram it so that quitting becomes easier. A hypnotist can also help you create a plan for quitting and overcoming any obstacles you may face.
Therapist
A therapist can help you quit smoking by dealing with the underlying issues that make it difficult. There are various ways they can deal with it. First, you can go through CBT. This therapy works to change your negative thoughts and feelings about cigarettes. As a result, CBT can help you quit more quickly and permanently.
If you can’t quit now, try brushing your teeth immediately after smoking a cigarette to remove any stains that may have been caused by it.
Eating Certain Foods
Certain foods and drinks can also cause stains on your teeth. This includes dark-colored fruits and vegetables (such as blueberries and soy sauce), sugary drinks (such as soda), and acidic foods (such as lemons). To help prevent these stains, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water immediately after eating or drinking them. You should also try to eat them in moderation so that they don’t have a chance to cause too much damage.
Aging
Your enamel begins to wear away as you age, revealing the dentin. Dentin is yellow, so as it becomes more visible due to the wearing away of the enamel, it can make your teeth appear yellow or brown. In addition, the gums may also recede as you age, exposing more of the tooth’s root—which is darker in color than the tooth’s crown (the visible part of the tooth above the gum line). Gum disease can also cause gum recession. Here are three ways you can deal with stained teeth due to aging.
Veneers
One of the best options is to get veneers. The best porcelain veneers use thin shells that cover the front side of your teeth to improve their color and appearance. The dentist will carefully match the veneer’s color to your natural tooth color so that they look entirely natural. Your dentist will then apply these small, custom-made shells onto your teeth using a particular type of cement—and voila, you have new and improved teeth!
Teeth Whitening
Another option is to undergo a professional teeth whitening procedure. This involves using either an in-office treatment, over-the-counter products containing peroxide, or another bleaching agent. The dentist will apply the active ingredient on your tooth’s surface, breaking it down into oxygen. When the peroxide comes into contact with saliva in your mouth, the oxygen reacts with the colored materials that cause your teeth to appear brown or yellow—effectively bleaching them!
Stained teeth can be unsightly and embarrassing. But fortunately, you can do a few things to get rid of those stains and achieve the bright smile you’ve always wanted. Following the tips above can ensure that your teeth are whiter, healthier, and more beautiful in no time.
