Stained and discoloured teeth can be an upsetting problem and the good news is that there’s plenty that can be done to solve it! If you’re catching the problem early, it’s great news as you’ll be able to prevent staining rather than trying to reverse it, which is much easier to do. However, don’t be disheartened if you’re already living with stained teeth, there are many options for you to try.
Avoid Staining Your Teeth by Watching What You Eat
There are many foods that contribute to staining teeth, and some of these are not so obvious! It won’t come as a surprise that carbonated, sugary drinks are a culprit, but did you know that berries can also cause your teeth to become stained? Acidic foods can lead to discolouration as they can weaken tooth enamel, leaving the tooth itself open to damage. Tea, red wine, fizzy drinks and sauces, such as ketchup and soy sauce, can all have adverse effects on the colour of your teeth and although you probably won’t want to eliminate them from your diet, cutting down can be a good idea.
Five Top Tips to Keep Your Teeth Whiter
- Use a straw. This may not be an elegant choice for the dinner party drinks, but if you can use a straw when drinking fizzy drinks or juices, your teeth will thank you. The unexpected sugars and acids in fruit and fruit juices can be harmful to teeth, so be sure to limit your intake of these as well as the more obvious stain culprits.
- Don’t chew for too long. We all know it’s vital to chew your food properly before swallowing it, but don’t get carried away as swallowing promptly can reduce the risk of staining – especially where drinks are concerned.
- Rinse your mouth. If you can’t brush your teeth immediately after eating – and sometimes it’s better not to, as your enamel will be vulnerable to abrasion if you brush within 30 minutes of acidic food or drinks – you can swish your mouth out with water to rinse stain-causing deposits away from your teeth.
- Chew gum. Chewing sugarless gum after eating or drinking is said to reduce staining and can also help to keep breath fresh and sweet. Be aware of potential side effects of excessive gum chewing, though, as some brands can have negative effects, for example, if they possess laxative ingredients.
- Visit a professional. If you have been unable to improve your staining by yourself and it’s a problem you don’t want to suffer with for any longer, visit a dentist and ask advice on whitening treatments. Over the counter products can be too harsh for your teeth and your dentist will be able to advise on the best solutions for you.
Find a Dentist in Cork
If you’re searching for a dentist in Cork, look no further than Guiney Dental Clinic. We pride ourselves on being friendly and personable, and you can be sure that your teeth will be very well cared for! Call today on 021-481 0535.