We all have heard the famous saying, “prevention is better than cure”, and it is highly applicable to teeth. Teeth are a vital part of our body. Not only do they help us chew on food, but they also play a significant role in our appearance. If your teeth aren’t strong, you won’t be able to chew your food properly, which can cause lousy digestion and lead to several other problems. On the other hand, if your teeth are crooked, decaying, or displaying signs of discolouration, it can contribute to the unpleasant appearance of your face. There are many everyday habits that people are not aware of, which can stain your teeth. The easiest way to keep your smile bright is by avoiding these habits. Here are some of the leading causes of yellow teeth and other types of discolouration. Here are some of the leading causes of yellow teeth and other types of discolouration, as mentioned by an orthodontist in Washington DC.
- Teeth-Staining Beverages
Coffee is one of the major culprits for stained teeth. If you are a regular coffee drinker and do not rinse your mouth with plain water after it, dark pigments such as chromogens in the coffee stick to the enamel. This causes the teeth to darken over time. Another such beverage is red wine. Sipping water right after consuming red wine is recommended to reduce the staining effect. Black tea is also high in staining tannins that cause even more staining than coffee.
Adding milk to tea and coffee can significantly reduce the staining effect. So, if you are a regular consumer of tea and coffee, always make sure to add milk to it and rinse your mouth right after.
- Staining Foods
Similar to beverages, various foods can cause your teeth to stain. These foods include brightly coloured berries, beetroot, foods made out of richly coloured sauces, and lollipops. Regular consumption of curry sauces, soy sauce, and tomato-based sauce also contribute to tooth staining.
- Acidic Beverages
Many people believe that white wine is a stain-free alternative to red wine, which is not true. The acidic element of some wines can make the tooth enamel soft, which increases the probability of teeth staining. Sports drinks and carbonated fizzy drinks also cause dental stains. These drinks have substantial quantities of acid, pigments and sugar. The sugar present in these drinks is bad for teeth and also a major cause of obesity. Cutting down on these drinks is the best choice for healthy teeth and an overall healthy body.
Additionally, acidic beverages also weaken the enamel of your teeth. When consumed too often, this will cause your teeth to erode and more prone to tooth decay. This may lead to missing teeth in the long run. When that happens, getting dental implants in naples is one of your options to fill those missing teeth. But, of course, it’s best to take action before that happens.
- Holding Food In The Mouth
You might find it hard to believe, but holding food and drink in your mouth for longer than required can also cause your teeth to stain. The longer these elements are in contact with our teeth, the more time they have to leave the stains behind and for acidic components to affect the enamel. Instead of holding your food and drinks in your mouth for too long, consider swallowing them as early as you can. Using a straw for acidic or coloured drinks can also help limit the contact of the liquid with the front teeth.
- Less Consumption Of Water
We all know that drinking a recommended amount of water throughout the day is essential to stay hydrated. However, most people are unaware that drinking water also helps remove stains from teeth by rinsing away staining substances. Drinking fluoridated water is also really helpful to protect the teeth from decay.
- Smoking
Smoking is a bad habit for your overall health. It can increase the risk of catching lung cancer, mouth cancer, weakens your lungs, disturbs your sense of smell and taste, and also causes your teeth to stain. Tobacco in all forms is an enemy for your teeth and must be avoided. Smoking also causes plenty of gum diseases. To ensure good health and sparkly teeth, quitting smoking might be the best thing you can do.
A bright smile and shiny teeth are everyone’s dream. If you notice that your teeth are yellowing, consider eliminating the factors causing your teeth to stain. Brush and floss your teeth daily and be regular with your dental checkups. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Nottingham, you can consult with Emerdency for the best oral care services.
