There's no denying that we all want white teeth, but unfortunately, teeth staining is a common occurrence and caused by a wide variety of things we do on a daily basis.
But fear not, there are a number of things you can do to reverse teeth staining and prevent it from happening in the future.
To prevent teeth staining:
- Limit consumption of staining food & drinks
- Have a good dental routine
- Stop smoking
- Drink through a straw
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Consider professional whitening treatments
1. Limit Consumption of Staining Food & Drinks
Did you know that there are certain foods and drinks out there that can contribute to teeth staining? The main culprits include beverages like coffee and tea, as they contain dark pigments (chromogens), which can attach to the enamel of your teeth and cause discoloration. Tea also contains tannins, which can make it easier for stains to attach to your teeth.
Red wine, coca cola also contain chromogens and tannins that can leave stains on your teeth. Sports drinks and fruit juices are typically high in sugar, which can also damage your enamel and result in stained teeth.
In terms of food, tomato-based sauces, such as pasta sauce and ketchup, contain acid that can erode your enamel and make it easier for stains to stick to your teeth.
Now, we’re not telling you to completely cut out these items, but if you want to prevent teeth staining, we highly recommend you limit your consumption of them.
2. Have a Good Dental Routine
Having good dental hygiene is absolutely essential for preventing stains, not to mention for our overall health and well-being. Ensure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste - once in the morning and once at night. Take your time to rotate the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions. Don't rush, as if any plaque is left on the teeth it can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
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3. Stop Smoking
Another common culprit for teeth staining is smoking. This is because tobacco contains a number of chemicals that cause discoloration of enamel. One chemical is tar, a sticky substance that can cling to the teeth surface and cause a yellow or brown staining over time.
Interestingly, smoking can reduce the amount of saliva production, which can contribute to staining as saliva helps to naturally wash away food particles and bacteria from the surface of teeth. Less saliva means more particles are present in the mouth which are more likely to stick to teeth and cause stains.
4. Drink Through a Straw
A handy tip when drinking beverages that are likely to stain your teeth is to always use a straw. This will minimise the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth as it goes straight into the back of your mouth, instead of around your teeth.
A popular option is the use of metal straws. Not only are they durable, versatile and easy to clean, but they are environmentally friendly as they can last for years, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
As part of your dental routine, it’s important to visit your dentist at least once a year, or more often if you have any staining or general dental issues. Regular dental checkups can help to remove any surface stains and attend to any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
During a dental cleaning, a dentist or hygienist will remove any buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth, which, if left, can contribute to staining. Once your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist might polish your teeth to remove any surface stains, making them appear brighter and more ‘pearly’.
6. Use Professional Whitening Treatments
A popular option to tackle stubborn stains nowadays is using professional whitening treatments which help to restore your teeth to a brighter, whiter shade. There are a number of teeth whitening options available, some that can be done by a dentist, and some that can be done at home.
If you’re not sold on professional whitening treatments, you can find a wide variety of whitening toothpastes on the market, such as charcoal toothpaste. Charcoal is known for having ‘teeth-whitening' properties, as it's made out of fine, abrasive grains, which removes plaque and ultimately, stains. Learn more about the benefits of charcoal toothpaste here.
Brush Fresh Co. is founded and run by a group of UK-based dentists, who specialise in environmentally-friendly and sustainable dental products. From biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes to zero waste toothbrush tablets, our product range has been designed to put both your dental health and the environment first. For more information and dental care advice, head over to our blog page or get in contact with us here.
Written by Kate, on behalf of Brush Fresh Co - the UK's Dental Experts Providing eco-friendly dental care.