Somebody once said, “Nobody notices old clothes if you wear a smile.” By the same token, if you’re frowning, you could be wearing diamonds and no on would notice. That’s what happens if your teeth are stained, dull, and discolored. You don’t feel like smiling anymore, and it shows in your life. Thank goodness there are things you can do about tooth discolorations. But if you don’t know the causes, you’re not going to know how to solve the problem. Here’s more information about the causes of stained teeth, as well as tips from good dentists on how to get your teeth back to their beautiful, vibrant white.
Poor oral hygiene habits
The great news about stains on teeth is that they’re largely preventable. Personal habits are the biggest cause of stains on teeth, and that means that refraining from those bad habits, or instituting good ones, can prevent discolored teeth. The first and perhaps biggest reason people develop stains on their teeth is poor dental hygiene. If you’re someone who doesn’t do what’s necessary on a daily basis to keep your teeth healthy, you’re likely going to lose that beautiful white smile sooner or later. A good oral health routine is simple and takes just a few minutes a day. A proper dental hygiene regimen always begins with brushing at least twice every day with a good toothpaste that provides protection from cavities and bacteria buildup. This should be followed by at least once-daily flossing. If you’re someone who’s not crazy about dental floss that can be messy, try floss picks or tape. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash just once a day is also a good way to prevent nasty bacteria from building up on teeth and staining them. Finally, visiting your family dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning is vital for keeping your teeth in top form.
Diet
When it comes to your teeth, not all foods are created equal. Some stain teeth, and getting rid of those stains can be a challenge. One of the biggest stain-discoloring culprits is coffee. Most American adults are daily coffee drinkers, and that means that most American adults are adding just a little more discoloration to their teeth every day. But it’s not just coffee drinkers who are staining their teeth. Tea is also a big robber of your teeth’s natural white. Even sodas can cause teeth to become yellow if consumed enough. Unfortunately, there are also some very healthy foods that can cause teeth to become stained. These include berries, fruit juices, and some other foods that have high acidic content. If you’re a fan of any of these foods, try limiting them, and always be sure to brush after consuming them.
Smoking
You knew it was going to be on the list, didn’t you? Unfortunately for smokers, tobacco products seem to show up on every list of bad things, it’s true. But them’s the facts. First, the tar and nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products cause teeth to stain. Second, smoking causes bacteria to build up on teeth and, frankly, most smokers don’t brush after every cigarette. Naturally, if you’re a smoker, you should consider a smoking cessation program, not just for the health of your lungs, but also for the health of your teeth, especially since recent studies have shown a link between dental health and the health of other systems in the body such as the cardiac system.
Aging
Aging isn’t all bad, really. After all, getting older means you’re living longer, right? Of course, it also means there are changes going on in your body that may not thrill you, and your teeth top the list. As our bodies age, the enamel of our teeth begins to wear away from use and time. If you’re over 50, consider visiting your dentist a bit more often, just to keep an extra watch on changes going on in your mouth. It’s also a good idea to reassess your diet and your personal habits, such as dental hygiene routine and smoking.
Facing your day without a smile on your face is like that dream where you’re out in public in your underwear. You’re vulnerable and making bad impressions everywhere you go, and you likely don’t even know it. If your teeth are dull and discolored, there are steps you can take to get them back your healthy, white smile. Follow some of these recommendations from top dentists to prevent your teeth from becoming discolored. And, if you’re someone who’s looking for solutions to stained teeth, contact a dentist in your area to schedule an appointment.
