Teeth staining is a common cause of concern among many individuals and people spend a significant amount of money on teeth whitening products and procedures to restore their teeth’s natural colour. Unfortunately, our teeth are constantly under attack from all sorts of staining agents. From the coffee we drink, to the candy we eat, there are a myriad of things that can cause our teeth to lose their lustre. To help you avoid unwanted discolouration, we’ve compiled a list of 4 things that can cause stains on your teeth.
1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, and it plays a huge part of the morning routine of many. If you enjoy that daily dose of caffeine, there is one thing you might want to keep in mind: it can cause your teeth to look less than white. The dark colour of the coffee will inevitably lead to staining of the teeth when consumed, however, it is the high acidity levels of the coffee that causes problems. Acidic beverages like coffee can break down the enamel of your tooth, making your teeth even more susceptible to staining. If you cannot live without your morning cup of coffee, make sure you brush your teeth after consuming it.
2. Cigarettes
Cigarettes are a well-known culprit when it comes to teeth stains. The nicotine in cigarettes is a powerful staining agent, and over time the yellowish discolouration can become extremely difficult to remove. At the same time, people often do not rinse and brush their teeth after smoking, which can lead to an even greater accumulation of tar and stains that result in a smoker’s yellow teeth. Certain precautions can be taken to reduce the discolouration of teeth from smoking, such as rinsing and brushing your teeth. However, the best way to keep your teeth stain-free is to quit smoking altogether.
3. Wine
If you are the type of person who enjoys wine drinking, you have probably experienced the unpleasant situation of seeing red blotches on your teeth. Wine stains are primarily caused by two things: the pigments and the acidity of the wine. The colouration in wine is produced by anthocyanins, which are found in grape peels. These compounds attach themselves to our tooth enamel and cause staining. Acidity is also a major factor, as it can lead to enamel erosion and increased staining susceptibility. So make sure to brush your teeth after enjoying that glass of vino!
4. Candy
It is not a big surprise that eating too many sweets can make your teeth discoloured and even cause cavities. The reason has to do with a substance called chromogens; these are molecules that attach themselves to our tooth enamel and cause staining. The more of these molecules you ingest, the worse the discolouration gets – and the less effective standard toothpastes are at removing them. The best way to preserve the natural whiteness of your teeth is to avoid excessive amounts of sugar, and brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste after every meal.
5. Fruits
This may come as a surprise, but the fruits we enjoy so much can cause staining to our teeth. Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries all contain chromogens that leave a stain on our teeth. Other fruits like grapes, also contain tannins that stain as well. The rule is that any fruit that can stain your clothes can also stain your teeth. The best solution is to rinse thoroughly after consuming these fruits.
Conclusion
Stained teeth are often a real pain to deal with, and can be an experience that is neither fun nor confidence-inducing. Sometimes, it may even affect your overall dental health. But with some knowledge about what causes stains, and your options for eliminating them, you will have an easier time achieving the smile you want. Here at The Braces Practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care and services to help you achieve optimal oral health. We also offer a variety of affordable braces for students in Singapore, including metal brackets braces and invisible teeth aligners. Contact us today to find out more!
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