Stained or discoloured teeth can negatively impact a person’s confidence as well as their overall oral health. Even those with high-quality dental hygiene habits are likely to experience stained teeth over time. That’s because the enamel of our teeth is porous and is susceptible to staining caused by certain foods and lifestyle choices. In this blog, Ipswich Family Dental discusses 10 habits that are likely to stain your teeth.
Lifestyle Habits That Stain Tooth Enamel
Discussed below are some of the most common ways in which teeth become stained. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort in stained teeth, contact your teeth whitening dentist today for a full checkup.
1. Drinking Coffee, Red Wine and Dark Tea
The pigments in coffee, dark teas and red wine are known to discolour teeth over time. Although adding milk to tea and coffee can reduce the stains, the pigments in these drinks are strong enough to affect the colour of the porous tooth enamel.
2. Smoking
Most tobacco products contain oxygen tar and nicotine, compounds that are well-known causes of tooth discolouration. Smoking is also directly related to conditions such as gum disease and oral cancer.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
The easiest way for you and your family to get brighter smiles is to pay close attention to your oral hygiene habits and try to incorporate effective practices. Poor oral hygiene very quickly leads to a buildup of plaque and tartar, leading to stained teeth. We recommend brushing twice a day with a soft brush, flossing regularly to remove food debris and scheduling regular visits to the dentist for professional tooth cleaning.
4. Dark Coloured Fruits and Foods
Foods that contain heavy pigments are most likely to stain your teeth. Sticky candies, berries and confectionery with artificial dyes tend to stick to the teeth and cause discolouration over time.
5. Poor Hydration
The overall health benefits of drinking plenty of water are well known, but did you know that poor hydration has a negative impact on oral health? Drinking water helps to rinse food debris, wash away stains and to keep the mouth hydrated so that bacterial growth is inhibited.
6. Sports and Energy Drinks
People who consume large quantities of sports and energy drinks may experience stained teeth because of the high acid content.
7. Not Rinsing After Eating
A simple way to keep your teeth looking bright is to rinse your mouth after eating. When we eat, food debris gets stuck in difficult to reach places, eventually creating the ideal conditions for bacterial growth.
8. Ageing
While not technically a ‘habit’, the natural process of ageing impacts teeth with the thinning of the enamel, discoloration and black stains on teeth.
9. Medications
Certain medications such as antihistamines and specific blood pressure treatments can lead to tooth discolouration.
10. Excessive Fluoride
Although fluoride is effective at preventing cavities, excessive fluoride use can also lead to fluorosis, a condition that results in light coloured spots on teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening Dentist in Ipswich
Concerned about yellow or black stains on teeth? Contact Ipswich Family Dental online to explore our highly effective tooth whitening treatments, or call today to book an appointment with our dental team.
