If you are like most people, you have probably had stain teeth a few times in your life. It is almost unavoidable given how much our teeth have to endure every day. They deal with extreme temperatures, enamel destroying acids, and high amounts of pressure placed on them by your jaw.
That is why good oral hygiene habits are important to give your teeth a fighting chance. Fail to properly take care of your teeth and gums, and you will eventually end up with stain teeth, tooth decay, or something worse.
We all know what that means. People will start making negative assumptions about the type of person you are. You will become self-conscious when you are around others because you are worried about what they think about your teeth. Alternatively, when you take proper care of your teeth, you are more likely to end up with a nice set of pearly whites that make you appear younger, attractive, and successful.
However, maintaining proper oral hygiene habits is only half of the equation when it comes to keeping your teeth white and shiny. There are certain things you should avoid doing since they tend to lead to stains and discoloration. Here is a look at 7 habits that will end up leaving you with stained teeth:
1. Smoking or chewing tobacco products
Smoking is not just bad for your health, it is also bad for your teeth. Since the smoke leaves tar and darkens your teeth as you inhale and exhale. If you absolutely must smoke, make sure you visit your dentist every three months for a dental cleaning.
2. Eating lots of sugar
Sugar makes things delicious, but it is very harsh on your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth break down sugars into acids that eat away at your teeth’s enamel. Sodas, desserts, and candies are some of the worst offenders when it comes to high sugar content.
3. Frequently eating berries
Berries are very good for your body given the antioxidants in them, but they are not so good for your teeth. These fruits have very acidic juices that can wreak havoc on your teeth.
4. Drinking lots of coffee or tea
Most of us like to have something hot in the morning, but excessively drinking coffee or tea will eventually leave stains on your teeth. Drink these only in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
5. Sipping on red wine
If there is one thing doctors and dentist disagree about it is the benefits of red wine. Your doctor will tell you a glass of wine a day is good for your heart, while your dentist will tell you it is bad for your teeth. Drink red wine in moderation and rinse your mouth afterward.
6. Consuming lots of tomato products
Tomatoes have a very powerful coloring agent that will leave your teeth with a permanent orange tint. Avoid foods like pasta sauce and ketchup.
7. Not visiting your dentist twice a year
Visiting your dentist will ensure stains on your teeth are removed twice a year. Doing otherwise just gives these stains more time to accumulate.
Looking to get rid of stains and discoloration on your teeth? Contact a dentist today.