No Worries About Teeth Staining
Some of the foods and drinks we consume everyday are quite notorious teeth stainers. You want to enjoy them yet you know they can discolor your teeth or make their discoloration even worst. It can be tiresome to keep your teeth clean. Yet your favorite foods and drinks are hard to resist. Many tasty foods are either sugary or acidic; they can slowly and progressively weaken enamel.
Some of the most notorious teeth stainers are red wine, coffee or tea, curry, soda, beets, tomato sauce, soy sauce. There’s also pigmented fruit, like blackberries, blueberries, and pomegranates, as well as fruit juices, and, of course, balsamic vinegar. Smoking is likewise a teeth stainer. However, you do love to indulge in your favorites. How do you do it without getting those awful teeth stains? Here are a few tips to how one can enjoy the food and drink you want and still avoid or minimize staining.
Drink through a straw. If you sip your drink using a straw, you are aiming your drink towards the back of the mouth. This way, contact of the liquid with your teeth and gums is limited, lessening the staining effects.
Brush teeth often. Brush at least twice a day, or a third time if need be, after consuming acidic or sugary products. It has been advised that after a highly acidic intake, wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth. Not immediately after, or vigorously gargle with water first and waiting a while before brushing. You are avoiding scrubbing the acid all over your teeth. Of course, floss daily.
Avoid brushing with natural toothpaste. These products tend not to have any fluoride in them, hence, will not be able to re-mineralize enamel. We know that fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay by mineralization. You can also alternate the use of non-abrasive toothpaste and whitening toothpaste with silica which scrub away stains that may build up between your regular cleanings. For sensitive teeth, use paste with calcium hydroxide.
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol dries out your mouth, limiting salivary production and, if overused, can dry out the gums and can stunt nourishment, causing gum recession.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Water neutralizes the pH in the mouth, freshens it, and washes away debris. Also eat green, leafy veggies which tend to brush away debris and remove some stains.
More Dental Tips by our Lynnwood Dentist
Have more fun with your favorite food and drinks when you come see us in Lynnwood. You can always enjoy eating and drinking with the proper guidance, and keep your mouth healthy and fresh.
