Eating Habits That Are Staining Your Teeth



A bright wide smile makes your overall personality glow. We normally tend to assume that brushing our teeth twice a day and occasional flossing is enough to achieve bright white teeth. This is not always the case.

The brightness of your teeth is also affected by your everyday lifestyle which includes the food, the beverages you drink, whether you see a dentist at regular intervals, and how well-aware you are aware of medical conditions that could potentially harm your teeth.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 90% Americans have cavities at some point in their lives. Other issues include stained teeth, tooth loss, and periodontal disease.
Other than seeking professional help, here are a few eating habits you can change in order to have stain-free teeth:

Eating too much sticky candies

To assume that food like jelly, chocolate, and sticky sweets are completely harmless is natural but it’s definitely not the case. The problem with sticky food is that it tends to adhere to your tooth surface and linger on for much longer as compared to other foods. Sweet sticky candies also contain too many acids and chromogens which are broken down and converted into colorful compounds. 

Another reason why candies and toffees make your teeth lose their whiteness is that they’re made up of fruits, which are pigmented. These include grapes, mangoes, berries, and cherries. If a popsicle stick can make your tongue stain, it can do the same to your teeth.

Going overboard with caffeine intake

Caffeine intensive beverages like tea and coffee are one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world. People of all ages tend to enjoy caffeine because it helps them function better and makes them more alert. Is it also good for your teeth? Not really.

According to studies, heavy caffeine intake leads to impaired mineralization of the enamel. The structure of the tooth enamel features a large number of minute pores. Once consumed, coffee is readily absorbed into these pores. This is why it is one of the most common contributors toward discolored teeth. Also given the acidic nature of tea and coffee, they weaken the enamel leaving it more susceptible to color change. Other beverages like carbonated drinks, sports drinks, and sodas also play the same role.

Chewing for too long

Naturally, the longer the food stays in your mouth, the more it is expected to affect your teeth. This is particularly important for food that stains your teeth. Make sure the food doesn’t linger around for too long. Limit the contact of such food with the tooth surface.

In order to do this, make sure you’re not going overboard with chewing. Also when it comes to carbonated drinks, try and use a straw to drink those. This will ensure minimum contact between the pigmented food and the tooth enamel.

Your teeth are as unique as you are. What worked for your friend may not work for you. This is why you should always seek professional dental help to restore your teeth’s natural whiteness. If you’re looking for dental care in Germantown, look no further than Advance Dental Center. We provide a wide range of dental services including regular cleaning and fluoride treatments for stained teeth. Contact us online for more information.

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