Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices That Can Cause Teeth Discoloration
Your teeth are an essential part of the smile. You will have a perfect, vibrant smile if you have white and bright teeth. However, with time, the inner and outer layer of the teeth gets discolored. That happens because there is no regular observation of healthy oral hygiene practices. If you have stained or discolored teeth and want to improve the appearance of your teeth, seek comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry Upper East Side services. One popular service your dentist can provide is teeth whitening. That in-office cosmetic dentistry procedure can make your teeth whiter and brighter.
Avoid the unhealthy lifestyle choices below if you do not want to have discolored or stained teeth after teeth whitening or do not want to undergo teeth whitening.
Certain Foods and drinks
Most foods and drinks processed by factories can contribute to teeth discoloration if you consume them regularly and do not brush your teeth as your dentist recommends.
Some foods and drinks that can stain your teeth include red wine, tea, coffee, berry juice, berries, grapefruit, sweets and candy, citrus-based fruits, frozen popsicles, and soy sauce.
For instance, tea and coffee have tannins, a compound that gives them bitter flavor and color. Frequent exposure of your teeth to tannins causes their gradual discoloration.
Also, tea and coffee can imbalance the pH level in your mouth to make you susceptible to damage caused by acidic foods.
Citrus and acidic foods can lead to an acidic mouth environment that promotes harmful bacteria’s thriving. The bacteria feed on the food particles in the mouth and, in return, produce even more acids that can erode the enamel and stain your teeth.
Foods that can help prevent or reduce the staining of your teeth are cucumbers, apples, pears, and carrots.
Failure to brush your teeth correctly
Experts in oral health recommend brushing your teeth at least twice in the morning and before bed.
And the brushing should last at least two minutes to give you sufficient time to reach and clean different areas of your teeth. Hold the soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where gums and teeth meet.
Remember to brush your teeth within 30 minutes after eating, especially foods and drinks that promote teeth discoloration.
Use of incorrect mouthwash
Using mouthwash can help kill dangerous bacteria in your mouth and strengthen the teeth to safeguard you against gum disease and cavities.
Sadly, some brands of mouthwash can contribute to the staining of your teeth. A mouthwash that contains an ingredient like chlorhexidine gluconate should be avoided.
Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist.
Smoking
If you regularly smoke, there is a higher chance you will have stained teeth.
Smoking exposes your teeth to tar and nicotine, harmful chemicals that can erode the enamel and cause teeth staining.
The reaction of the nicotine in your teeth with oxygen is the leading cause of yellowish teeth among smokers.
Frequent use of some drugs, especially those that treat bacterial infections, allergic reactions, depression, or high blood pressure, can also contribute to your teeth discoloration.
Contact Dentistry on Park today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in cosmetic dentistry and learn more about the available services.
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