Are you wishing you had a brighter smile? Let’s think about what you put in your mouth. Your teeth can get stained from what you eat, if you’re a smoker and as you age.
But once you know what foods to eat (and avoid) you will be able to keep your bright white smile.
Coffee, Tea or Neither
You most probably think that the main cause of your teeth stains are from the cup of coffee you drink every morning. After all, more than half Canadians drink coffee every day. Coffee stains your teeth due to its high acidity.
But this isn’t the largest culprit. That would be tea, which nearly half Canadians drink. Not only does it have a high acidity but also tannins. Tannins are plant based compounds that make it easier for stains to stick to your teeth. It doesn’t matter if it’s iced tea or hot tea the culprit will have the same end result. Stained teeth.
If you only have a coffee or tea after your Sunday dinner then you’re less likely to have teeth stains than drinking a cup everyday. The frequency you drink coffee or tea plays a large impact on the effect of your teeth stains.
What’s In Your Glass?
You might have heard that red wine can be good for your health, but it’s not ideal for your bright white smile. It has 3 factors that work against your white teeth: it has tannins, it’s very acidic and it has a deep purple color - which suggests its high in chromogens (compounds with strong pigments that stick to your enamel).
White wine is acidic but due to its colour much less chromogens. Your teeth are much more likely to be stained by tomatoes, blueberries or strawberries than white wine.
Food Dye
Have you ever sucked on a blue lollipop and had your tongue and teeth turn blue, you’ve seen the effects of food dye. Dentists suggest you avoid any food or drink that has lots of sugar and food dye. If you drink or eat any one shade for long enough you can start seeing it stained on your teeth. Food colouring is pretty aggressive coloring and can easily stained your enamel, which causes your teeth to be stained.
Soft Drinks, Hard Truth You Need To Hear
People who drink soft drinks such as cola that have a dark color may notice their teeth turn yellow over time. Soda is acidic and has a high number of chromogens. Individuals who drink clear sodas such as Sprit will also see their teeth get duller because of the high amount of acid inside. All sodas have the same amount of acid whether their color is dark or clear. This means no matter what type you are drinking it will be staining your teeth.
It’s like red wine vs white wine. Both do damage to your teeth but the red wine can stain your teeth to a higher extent.
Tips To Keep Your Teeth White
Use a straw: when having a drink such as tea or red white use a straw. It will pull the liquid inside your mouth and bypass most of your teeth.
Brush right after: After a bowl of berries, brush your teeth. Had a cup of coffee at work? Keep a toothbrush at your desk to use after your final cup.
Rinse your mouth: Don’t have time to brush? Swish water around in your mouth after you eat and drink.
Get a teeth whitening treatment: No need to completely avoid eating and drinking what you love. Get a teeth whitening treatment 1-2 times a year to maintain your white smile.
If you have more questions about our Teeth Whitening services in our Vaughan or Toronto location, we would love to help!
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Find out more at www.bodyandsoulclinic.ca