Stained teeth could make a person look so much older than their actual years. If you want to look better and more presentable, you might want to watch out for things that could stain your pearly whites.
The good news is there are things that you could do to prevent teeth discoloration. And one big way to do that is to avoid these six beverages:
1. Energy And Sports Drinks
Sports and energy drink consumption has increased significantly in the past decades, as more and more adults become active to stay healthy. Indeed, participating in sports and exercise routines could be good for the body. Couple that with the other benefits of energy drinks, you’d clearly see why consumption increases.
But think about your oral health the next time you reach for sports and energy drinks after a workout. It's said that such beverages are very acidic, which could deteriorate the enamel in your teeth. This breakdown could contribute to staining.
So, to maintain the health of the enamel, you might want to cut back on energy drinks. In New South Wales, you could visit the nearest Bankstown dentist at the first sign of teeth sensitivity, discoloration, and other signs of corrosion.
2. Coffee
Using your teeth as tools, nail-biting, and griding are examples of bad habits to avoid if you want to maintain dental health. But one practice considered as the leading cause of teeth staining among adults is drinking anything caffeinated, more specifically, coffee.
Over time, drinking coffee might turn your pearly whites yellowish due to both acids and pigments contained in this beverage. If you love your coffee sweet, add tooth decay to the mix of problems you could face because sugar may cause cavities.
If you want to keep your teeth white but going cold turkey on coffee isn't an option, you could try using a straw while sipping on your caffeine fix. This way, the drink has fewer chances of coming in contact with your choppers.
3. Tea
Tea is another caffeinated drink on the list of top culprits that might discolor teeth. Even if it usually looks lighter than coffee, it does not mean that it’s doesn’t stain. On the contrary, it might discolor teeth more.
Tea is rich in tannins, chemical compounds found in plants responsible for tea's somewhat bitter taste and rich color. The yellowish to brownish tannin substances are used to dye fabric, make ink, and tan leather. So, regular tea consumption could discolor your teeth.
If you love tea but don't want its staining attributes, drink green tea instead of black, which some English people love. Another workaround is adding milk. An International Journal of Dental Hygiene study found that a substance in milk called casein helps prevent discoloration.
4. Wine
Wine is another type of drink that you might need to avoid if you want to maintain a beautiful pearly-white smile. Like tea, wine contains both acids and tannins that could cause staining. For red wines, the naturally rich dark pigments from grapes might discolor teeth.
It’s also possible for white wine to cause teeth stains. Even if it has a lower concentration of tannins, it could still cause more damage to the enamel because of acidity. As mentioned earlier, this could cause your teeth to become more prone to discoloration.
So, if you need to have wine, you could brush before drinking or pair it with high-fiber food that would help mechanically clean the stain away as you chew on them.
5. Dark Soda
Soda is a big no-no for healthy pearly whites because it's high in sugar and acid. These are two things that might erode your tooth's enamel. Once the outer layer of your teeth is worn down, they're likely to be more vulnerable to discoloration. Besides, if your enamel is completely stripped off, the naturally yellower dentin layer of the tooth will start to show.
6. Dark-Colored Fruit And Vegetable Juices
Juices made from pomegranates, blueberries, grape, blackberries, beet, cranberry, and other dark-colored fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and antioxidants good for your health. Unfortunately, these fruits contain minute organic substances that could enter the pores found in the enamel of your tooth. These substances might make your tooth's outer layer more porous, thus more prone to staining.
The Bottom Line
White teeth are more presentable than stained ones. It's also a sign of good dental health. But now, you’re better informed about how many of your favorite drinks could tint your teeth. Aside from regular brushing and flossing, there are beverages that you might want to avoid or to take in moderation if you want to maintain their whiteness. On top of that, you should see your dentist regularly. If you need a recommendation, you can get teeth polishing by the cosmetic dentist in vista.
