Teeth discoloration is a major problem today due to the kind of foods and drinks we consume. Other factors that cause staining are poor dental hygiene, aging, injuries, fluoride in water, certain medicines, and family history among others. While some factors may be difficult to avoid, there are several steps you can take to whiten stained teeth and change your sad frown into a flashy, glamorous smile.
Brush and Rinse with a Mouthwash after Every Meal
This might sound cliché, but brushing after every meal is the number one solution to avoid stained teeth. You need to be disciplined about how often you clean your mouth. The main cause of stains is the presence of discoloring agents left on the tooth enamel. Ensure you brush in a circular motion to eliminate any food particles or liquid left on your teeth after meals.
You also need to floss and use a good quality mouthwash to remove any stain-agents left between your teeth. Although you don’t have to use mouthwash after every brushing, doing it more frequently helps a lot.
Use Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Most people fear using teeth whitening toothpaste due to the myths surrounding its use. The most common myth is that it can cause long-term problems to the gum and teeth due to the presence of gritty abrasives.
However, manufacturers have made major improvements by using peroxide in place of abrasives. This has made whitening toothpaste a safe method to the extent of most brands being FDA-approved. If your medicine cabinet is lacking targeted whitening toothpaste, check out this review of some of the most reliable toothpastes for teeth whitening.
Avoid Teeth-Staining Agents
If you already have white teeth but you fear they might become stained, you need to watch what you consume. Some of the stain-makers you need to avoid include:
- Soda
- Blueberries
- Tea and coffee
- Soy sauce
- White and red wine
- Cranberry juice
- Tomato sauce
Since it’s almost impossible to avoid all these drinks, ensure you use a straw whenever you can. Avoid dark-colored and bright foods and drinks. Also, make sure you brush your teeth after drinking such beverages.
Avoid Tobacco
Chewing or smoking tobacco is a major cause of stained teeth. It can also cause various gum diseases and make your teeth turn yellow. Apart from dental problems, tobacco intake is known to cause cancer and other diseases. There’s no health benefit derived from smoking or chewing tobacco.
Upgrade to an Electric Toothbrush
Although most of us brush regularly, we mostly do it wrong when using a manual toothbrush. An electric toothbrush is ideal for plaque removal. It’s very ideal for reluctant brushers who don’t clean their teeth long enough. However, always ensure you are using the best quality electric toothbrush to maintain white teeth.
Visit a Dental Hygienist
It’s important to have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist at least twice every year. This will ensure your teeth are deep cleaned to eliminate stubborn stains. Make sure you visit a qualified dentist to avoid complications or damage to your gums and teeth.
Your dentist may suggest additional whitening options such as bleaching or dental bonding. However, such solutions should not be overdone because they can lead to pain and sensitivity. Always consult a qualified dentist before undertaking such treatment.
Apply Dental Veneers
Veneers are materials that are custom-made to cover the surface of the tooth. They help in covering discolored teeth, hence improving your smile.
Make it a habit to take good care of your teeth. Avoid foods, drinks, and drugs that are known to cause discoloration. Visit a qualified dentist before you consider any whitening solution.