5 Easy Ways to Prevent Teeth Stains
Nothing can make you look older “before your time” than a dirty, unkempt smile. Dingy, yellow, stained teeth reek of age and can make you less attractive. Keeping your teeth beautiful for life is as easy as knowing the ropes of teeth stain prevention.
Let’s look at some of the common reasons that teeth become stained in the first place; knowing what causes stains can help you to prevent or reduce the amount of staining that your teeth undergo:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Excessive fluoride (usually from drinking water, toothpastes, or supplements)
- Tobacco use and smoking
- Certain foods
- Certain medications
- Diseases
- Genetic disposition
- Aging
- Trauma to a particular tooth
- Dental restorations
Although some stains are not-preventable, such as those brought on in early childhood from the use of tetracycline, an antibiotic that turns the teeth yellow, there are many preventative measures that you can take right now to have a beautiful, stain-free mouth, including these five easy ways to prevent teeth stains:
Easy Way to Prevent Teeth Stains #1
Good oral hygiene. The basis for having a beautiful smile and preventing stains is to practice good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth (and tongue) at least twice daily; dentists recommend brushing three times each day. For brushing while you’re away at the workplace, there are now pre-pasted mini toothbrushes (disposable) that don’t even require water to clean your teeth on the go.
Don’t forget the dental floss; flossing is important to maintain good oral health and prevent cavities in hard to reach areas of the mouth.
Easy Way to Prevent Teeth Stains #2
Carefully watch what goes in your mouth. Food and drink can be a major contributor to food stains. Tea, coffee, dark sodas, and red wine can stain your teeth easily. Acidic drinks like soda can eat into the outer section of tooth enamel, which is your tooth’s protective cover – and can also cause stains on the teeth to “set”.
One food that is beneficial for your teeth, however, is strawberries. Some folks actually make a paste from fresh strawberries and apply it to their teeth (brushing afterwards is required).
Easy Way to Prevent Teeth Stains #3
Stop smoking. Smoking can stain the teeth and give them a very unhealthy appearance. In addition, smoking cigarettes gives you “smoker’s breath” – so talking to you up close may make someone feel like they are talking to an ashtray.
Easy Way to Prevent Teeth Stains #4
Put the power of hydrogen peroxide to work for your teeth. Choose toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide. Before each brushing, rinse your mouth with full strength hydrogen peroxide (yes, the brown bottle that you have in your first aid kit). Hydrogen peroxide works on stains by getting through to the tooth’s dentin, which is where stains are likely to be harbored on the teeth.
There are whitening kits available at most drug stores and discount stores that feature trays that are custom-molded to your mouth (simple to do at home) and that hold a hydrogen peroxide gel that helps to whiten teeth. For more great information on hydrogen peroxide and how it can help you achieve a beautiful smile, please read our article, Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening: an Overview.
Easy Way to Prevent Teeth Stains #5
Visit your dentist regularly. Regular visits to your dentist can help keep your teeth, gums, and entire mouth healthy and beautiful. The dentist can spot trouble areas before they become problematic, and can also clean your teeth appropriately. It is recommended that you get a full dental cleaning every six months.
