Teeth have a naturally white shade, but lots of our behaviors, like what we eat and drink, can stain our smiles! What are five daily habits that could be discoloring your teeth?
1. Drinking Coffee
Lots of people like to start their day with a cup of coffee. Coffee contains tannins, which give the drink its dark color. Your teeth absorb the tannins and can become discolored over time. Coffee is also very acidic, which can make your teeth more vulnerable to stains. You can reduce the risk of staining by using a straw or rinsing your mouth with water after drinking coffee.
2. Drinking Soda
Soda, especially dark soda, can stain the enamel of your teeth. The high amount of acid and sugar is also an issue, so even if you drink clear sodas, your teeth can lose some of their shine. To protect your teeth, cut back on how much soda you drink.
3. Not Drinking Enough Water
When you don’t stay hydrated throughout the day, your mouth can’t produce as much saliva as it needs to. Why does this matter? Your saliva rinses stain-creating bacteria and acids off your teeth. When you’re not drinking enough water, you run the risk of tooth discoloration, cavities, and gum disease!
4. Smoking
Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products are full of harmful chemicals. They also cause discoloration! Tar leaves sticky yellow or brown stains on your teeth. Nicotine, which makes tobacco so addictive, turns yellow when mixed with oxygen and other chemicals. We recommend significantly cutting back on smoking or quitting completely.
5. Poor Oral Hygiene
Are you brushing and flossing well every day? If you don’t maintain good oral hygiene, plaque and tartar build on your teeth. These substances don’t only cause cavities and gum disease; they discolor your teeth, as well. If you want a whiter smile, brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist every six months is one of the best ways to get one.
Cosmetic Dentistry & Other Services at River Vista Family Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina
Dr. Marshall and the team are proud to offer dental services like cosmetic dentistry, which is a great solution for discolored teeth! Professional teeth whitening is safer, more effective, and longer-lasting than store-bought products, so if your smile has been discolored by any daily habits, we can help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!