5 Foods and Drinks That May Be Darkening Your Smile
Stained or yellow teeth are one of the most common cosmetic concerns, but also the most difficult to avoid. Here’s some foods and drinks to look out for.
Coffee, tea, and wine may be some of our simplest pleasures, but they can lead to stained teeth. This shouldn’t come as a surprise: Wine stains carpet and clothing, coffee can leave rings behind on paper and tables, and tea can be used to dye fabric.
The enamel of our teeth is remarkably strong, but it can still fall victim to discoloration. Here’s a look into what the most common causes of tooth stains are, how to prevent them, and how to undo the damage.
Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili of Fairfax Family Dentist in Fairfax, Virginia, can professionally whiten your teeth and help give you advice on keeping your smile bright and sparkling, Here are some of her top tips.
Tooth discoloration can be caused by a number of factors, including health problems and medication. However, most discoloration is extrinsic, which means that it’s caused by something coming in contact with your teeth. Food, drinks, and plaque can all change the color of your teeth and lead to tooth yellowing.
Common staining agents include:
The best way to prevent teeth stains is to avoid staining agents.
However, just because the above foods and drinks stain your teeth doesn’t mean you have to cut them out entirely; many of these are staples in our everyday diets. You should just brush your teeth once you’re done eating or drinking them. It’s actually recommended that you brush after every meal to clear out food that has gotten trapped in your teeth.
If you’re the type of person who likes to sip on coffee, tea, or soda throughout the day, try to limit yourself to one cup at a time, or keep a water bottle on hand to periodically rinse your mouth. You can also drink from straws to reduce the amount of contact with your teeth.
The danger doesn’t come from drinking these beverages, it comes from letting them sit on your teeth after you swallow.
Poor dental hygiene can also lead to yellow teeth. If you aren’t consistent with your brushing and flossing, try to set alarms and make it part of your routine. This will help whiten your teeth and prevent dental issues in the future.
If your teeth are noticeably yellow, over-the-counter whitening treatments and charcoal toothpaste might not provide the results you want. These treatments can also damage your teeth by wearing down the enamel that protects them.
Luckily, Dr. Yalamanchili and her team can give you a clean slate with professional teeth whitening. At Fairfax Family Dentist, she uses professional-grade whitening solutions to lift stains and reduce yellowing, and takes steps to protect your gums and enamel, so you can enjoy whiter, brighter, and healthier teeth.
Interested in having your teeth whitened? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Yalamanchili by calling 703-213-5313, or book an appointment online.
